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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

®|ap. - ®W'Sl l 1« 

Slielf # .vGr..2 ? fc 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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Second Edition.] 



[Price, Five Dollars, 



THE AMERICAN 



Lady-Tailor Gloye-Fitting- System 



■OP- 



DRESS-MAKING 




Invented and Taught by 

^ • Mrs, Elizabeth Gartland 

IN HER SCIENTIFIC COLLEGE. 



KE^nSED, iLLTJSTBiLTED # SlIMIIF'IQjIIF'IEID- 



PHILADELPHIA, PA. 
1884. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1884, by Mrs. Elizabeth 
Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 




in the 



IMPORTANT NOTICE. 




\K^ 



To all whom it may Concern : — Only those purchasing 
this Book from me or my authorized agents are hereby 
licensed to use my Systems of Cutting and Fitting, set forth 
in this work, the contents of which I have secured by 
copyright. 

And no person shall have any right whatever to sell or 
teach in any manner, my system, without first procuring 
from me or my duly authorized agents a license in writing, 
signed by me, specifying how and in what way it may be 
used. 

MRS. E. GARTLAND, 

15 SOUTH 13th STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 

LEADING PARIS FASHION MAGAZINES 

And they can be had at any time by the single number or by subscrip- 
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*Mode de la Satson 

Modes Parisiennes 

Modiste Universelle (for millinery).... 

*Moniteur dela Mode 

*Mode Style 

*Printemys 

*Paris Mode. 

*Eevue de la Mode 

*Salon de la Mode, (weekly editon of 

Priutemps) 

* Toilettes Mode Illustree, with English 
descriptions 



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INDEX. 



Title Page, 

Important Notice, I 

Price List, 2 

The Science of Dressmaking, .... 3 

Introductory, 5 

Explanation of System, 6 

History of the Lady Tailor System, . 7 

The purpose of this Book, 9 

The Secret of Dressing Well .... 1 1 

Interviews with Pupils, 13 

The Dressmakers Catechism, &c, . . 14 

A word to Mothers, 17 

Schools for Dressmaking, ..... 18 

Arm's-eye Measurement, 20 

Measurement Positions, (Diagram.), 21 

Plain Basque Measurements, .... 22 

Directions for taking Measure, ... 22 

Diagram of Plain Basque, 25 

Directions for Drafting Plain Basque, 26 

Diagram of Plain Basque, (Enlarged.) 30 

Important questions for Pupils, ... 31 

Note. — General Information, .... ^ 

Plain Basque Pattern, 35 

Measure and Rules for Drafting Sleeve 

with Diagram, 36 

Measure and Rules for Drafting Sleeve 

No. 2 with Diagram, 38 

Diagrams of Gored Skirt, 42 

Measures and Rules for Drafting Gored 

Skirt, . . . _ 43 

Importance of Hip Measure, .... 43 

Sleeve in one piece with Diagram, . . 44 

Diagram of Coat Sleeve, 46 

Rules for Coat Sleeve, No. I, . . . . 47 

" " " No. 2, . . . . 48 

Diagrams for Straight Skirt, .... 50 

Rules for Cutting Straight Skirt, . . . 51 

Rules for keeping Skirt back .... 5 1 

Skirt with Train with Diagram, ... 52 

Full Dress with Court Train, .... 52 

Full Dress Diagram, 53 

Diagram of Basque No. 2, no under- 
arm gore, . . 54 

Rules for Basque No. 2, 55 

Diagram of Basque No. 3, English 

back, one dart, 56 

Measures and Rules for Basque No. 3, 57 
Diagrams of Basques No. 4 and No. 

5 with sleeve, 58 

Rules for Basques Nos. 4 and 5, . . . 59 
Diagram of Basque No. 6, for stout 

Ladies only, 60 

Measures and Rules for Basque No. 6, 61 
Special Rules for Stout and Slender 

Ladies, and to give the appear 

ance of a square shoulder, ... 63 
Stout Lady's Waist Pattern, .... 64 
Diagram of Stockinet Jersey Waist 

and Sleeve, 65 

Rules for cutting Stockinet Jersey 

Waist, 66 

Rules for cutting Stockinet Jersey 

Sleeve, 77 

Diagram and directions for making 

Basque with Plaits in back; ... 68 
Directions for cutting Princess Dress, 

Polonaise and wrapper, .... 69 
Plate of Princess Dress, Coat and 

Wrapper, 70 

Diagram of Princess Dress or Wrapper 7 1 



Ulster with Cape, 72 

Front and back of Seal Skin and Seal 

Plush Coat, 73 

Cutaway, Walking Jacket, Collars,. . 74 

Quantity of Material required, ... 75 

Diagram of back of Tailor cut Coat, . 77 
Diagram of front of Double- Breasted 

Coat, 78 

Cut of Girls' Princess Dress, .... 79 
Diagram of Child's Dress four differ- 
ent styles, 80 

Directions for cutting Child's Dress 
plain, with or without yoke, side 

body or with seam to shoulder . 81 

Cut of Bathing Suit, 82 

Mother Hubbard Wrapper, ..... 82 

Draft of Bathing Suit 83 

Directions for Making Bathing Suit, . 84 

Lawn Tennis Suit, Baptismal Robes, 85 

Gymnastic Suit, 86 

Cut of Long Dolman, 87 

Draft of Dolman, 88 

Measuresand Rules for Dolman, . . 89 
Cut and Directions for Short Dolman, 90 
Cut and Directions for Russian Cir- 
cular, 91 

Pattern of Russian and Plain Circular, 92 
Directions for cutting Russian and 

Plain Circular, 93 

Pattern of Dolman, 94 

Directions for Riding Habit, .... 95 
Fashion Plate Shooting Suit and Rid- 
ing Habit, 96 

Riding Habit Waist, 9g 

Diagram of Reform Waist, 99 

Directions for making Reform Waist, 

and Corset Cover, 100 

Measures for Boys' Jacket with Dia- 
gram, 103 

Rules for Drafting Jacket and Sleeves, 104 
Diagrams of Boys' Pants, Sleeve and 

Collar, 105 

Rules for Drafting Pants 106 

Cuts of Boys' Suits, 108 

Diagram of Gentleman's Shirt, ... 109 
Directiont for taking Measures and 

Drafting Shirt no 

Diagram of Gentleman's Coat or 

Dressing Gown, in 

Rules for Drafting Coat and Dressing 

Gown, 112 

Guide for cutting Bias, 113 

Rules for Cutting &c, 114 

Cutting for the Deformed, 114 

Rules for Basting, 115 

Directions for Linings, Ruffles, &c, . 116 

Diagram of Paper Pattern, 117 

Directions for cutting Paper Pattern, . 1 18 
Directions in full for making Dresses 

at Home, 119 

Illustration of Dress when complete, 141 
Directions for cutting and making full 

Round Band Bodice, 142 

Directions for making Mattress or 

Improver, 143 

Directions for finding the up and down 

in all materials, 144 

Advice to married Ladies, 145 

Width of materials, 147 



One System Book, . . . . $ 5 00 

One Tailor's Square, . . . . 1 50 

One Set of Curvatures, . . . . 25 

One Tape Measure Best .... 50 

One Tracing Wheel, ..... 50 

One Metal Belt, ..... 75 

One Measure Book, . . . . . 50 

One Stamped Pattern of Ladies' Waist and Sleeves, 3 sizes, 25 

WHOLESALE PRICE-LIST SENT TO AGENTS. 

Instructions Given Through the Mail. 

Any of the above articles (excepting paper) sent by mail post-paid 
on receipt of price. A cheap Tape Line, linen can be sent for 10 cts. 
and a cheap Tracing Wheel for 25 cents, but neither kept in stock as 
they are not first-class and do not give satisfaction. They will how- 
ever be procured for those who wish them. 

HOW TO SEND MONEY. 
It is best to send the full amount of cash with order as goods art 
sent by express, C O. D. unless fully paid for which makes them cost 
the consignee more. Money may be sent by express, post-office money 
order, registered letter or draft at our risk (charges for express or ex- 
change on drafts must be prepaid), no goods sent by mail unless so 
instructed, small amounts may be sent in one or two cent stamps, no 
stamps of higher denomination than two cents received. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



THE SCIENCE OF DRESSMAKING. 



To understand fully the Art and Science of Cutting and 
Fitting is the most important acquisition of a competent dress- 
maker ; indeed, such knowledge is absolutely necessary to success. 

The Glove-Fitting Lady Tailor System, as invented and 
taught practically by Mrs. E. Gartland, in her Scientific College, 
at No. 15 South Thirteenth street, Philadelphia, Pa,, is the most 
Simple, Certain, Reliable and Perfect System known, either in this 
country or in Europe ; its simplicity, style and beauty renders it 
superior to all known methods or systems practised by the best 
modistes of Paris, Berlin or Vienna, and is peculiarly an Ameri- 
can system, and when fully understood no re-fitting or ill-fitting 
garments will annoy the dressmaker or aggravate her customer. 

The many so-called French and English systems are often, as 
every dressmaker of any experience has often realized, unreliable, 
defective and deceptive, difficult to comprehend, and uncertain 
as to the very important matter of a perfect fit. 

More work can be accomplished by the Glove-Fitting Lady 
Tailor System, in the same time, than by any other system 
ever introduced. 

The key-note to all successful dressmaking is good taste, and 
good taste depends, to a very great extent, on " what it feeds on;" 
it is just as susceptible of cultivation and proper direction as any 
of -the other faculties, and cultivation leads directly to method, 
system, style and taste, and these are the groundwork or founda- 
tion of all successful dressmaking. 

With a properly cultivated taste, the practical, skillful, method! 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



cal, systematic dressmaker will rarely fail to please, and this is 
a very important factor of success. 

Taste in style, form, size and color — light and shade — all 
ha i\3 their positive effect in producing and developing consist- 
ency, symetry and beauty. 

Perfection is a very rare thing to be found, — mathematics, we 
believe, comes nearer to this desideratum than either science or 
philosophy ; hence, by a mathematical rule, we have found the 
road that leads us directly to the goal of perfection, in the art 
and science of dressmaking. 

Those who study and follow the system and rules laid down in 
this work will soon be surprised to find how very systematic and 
simple a matter it is to measure, cut, fit and make a glove-fitting 
garment on scientific and mathematical principles. 

This work is designed to be the alphabet of the beginner — the 
ABC book to the amatuer dressmaker, as well as the advisor, 
director and guide to those who have had some experience in dress- 
making. 

Years of perseverance in labor, study, investigation and expe- 
rience in the vocation of a fashionable, practical and scientific 
dressmaker have taught us the value of mathematical rules ; in 
this system perfection is as nearly reached as it is possible to 
hope for or expect. 

Draping and Trimming are matters depending solely on 
the taste of the dressmaker, — cutting and fitting accurately can 
only be performed by strict attention to certain mathematical 
rules, which are clearly laid down in this work; but draping, 
trimming and Basteing are wholly dependent upon taste and 
good judgment; popularity and success will be the sure and 
certain reward of those who excel in this respect. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DKESSMAKING. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE-FITTING 
SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING, 

INVENTED AND TAUGHT BY 

MRS. ELIZABETH GABTLAND, 

In her Scientific College, Bhiladelphia, Ba. 



Having investigated and studied every so-called self-fitting 
chart and scale that has been published or used in France, Eng- 
land, Germany and America, for a number of years past, and 
found " none perfect, no, not one ;" we were finally, in self-de- 
fence, compelled to think and study over the subject, until our 
patience was well nigh exhausted; but perseverance is at last 
rewarded, and we have invented an entirely new system, which is 
based on mathematical and scientific principles. By the use of 
this system, when thoroughly understood, we guarantee that 
there will be no time wasted, as in the old-fashioned cutting out, 
trying on, altering and re-altering of a dress or coat. When the 
measure is once taken, our lady patron may, if she choose, forget 
all about her dress, until it is furnished to her in all its beautv 
and perfection of fit. 

We have rules and regulations in 01 r new system for measur- 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



ing, drafting, tracing, cutting, basting, sewing and finishing. 
With proper attention to these rules failure is an impossibility. 
But all who attempt to become professional dressmakers should 
not expect to stand on a pinnacle of fame, to become a Worth cr 
a Pingat, without carefully studying and gaining a practical 
knowledge of the art of dressmaking in all its details. A strong 
desire, a determined will, as well as a natural ability and skilled 
labor is required of any one who wishes to become an expert. 
Every one has to make a beginning, however, and the young 
dressmaker who, with pardonable ambition, wishes to stand at 
the head of her profession, will be saved many an anxious hour, 
many an aching head and many a hard-earned dollar by a faith- 
ful study of this new system. 

Dressmaking requires a very different style of work from plain 
sewing. There are parts that cannot be done too neatly ; there 
are other parts that must be slighted or a stiff and homely 
appearance is the result. A lady who is an exquisitely neat 
seamstress is seldom successful as a professional dressmaker, as it 
is possible she would be so particular, precise and slow that she 
would scarcely earn her salt ; unless she learns how and where to 
slight her work, we would advise her to avoid spending money 
and time in her endeavors. The information and explanations 
on this subject alone are worth the price of this book to any one 
with ordinary intelligence, whether an amateur or one who 
wishes to become a successful professional dressmaker. 



Explanation of System. 

Our readers will not be surprised when we inform them that 
the armhole is taken as the centre ; having taken the exact 
measure, by the use of the compass we make a circle of the 
same circumference. We then commence and from the centre 



il= 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



of the circle take the width of the back, which divides the whole 
body. The remainder will come in as the front. Having thus 
laid" a foundation, and commenced in the right place, and in the 
right way, all material under the circle which belongs to the 
back can be easily tapered into the back, and what belongs to 
the front can be tapered into the front, and taken up as darts, 
which will keep your waist in the grain of the cloth, and thus 
avoid all wrinkles. No proportions are taken in this system, as 
each part or measure is taken separately, direct from the body. 
We fit to the body to give a true fit. Taking the bust measure to 
proportion the neck, as some do, is a preposterous idea All 
persons are not built in the same proportion, some having a 
large bust and thin neck, whilst others may have a small bust 
and a thick neck. This system is applicable to any age, size, or 
style. If the French style is desired, the body is made to appear 
tapering and long waisted; the opposite effect is given should 
the English style be preferred. 

As we mentioned before, the measure of the arm gives the 
circumference of the circle, and we thus obtain a neat, perfect 
fitting armhole, which never needs alterations, whether the person 
be lean or stout, old or young, man, woman or child of the ten- 
derest age. We give no directions to take a seam in here or 
there, should the armhole be too large, as is done by other sys- 
tems we could name. Before closing the shoulder seam the arm- 
hole has somewhat the appearance of a horse-shoe. The circle 
is divided into eight equal parts, and both ends of each diameter 
is a starting point for some particular measure. When the sleeve 
is sewed in, be it ever so tight, no complaints are heard of being 
unable to lift the arms, for they can be moved at will, up and 
down, right and left, around and around with perfect ease. 



THE AMEEICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



THE HISTORY OF THE LADY TAILOR SYSTEM. 

Our system differs from anything ever before presented to the pub- 
lic, and we will endeavor to explain it briefly. Were we about to 
make a dress for a small doll, it is likely that in order to accomplish 
our task in as short a time as possible, we would do what many have 
done before us, and that is, we would first cut a hole in the material, 
and slip the dolPs arm in it. We would then taper in the waist, by 
taking it in under the arms, down the centre of the back, and take in 
another seam between these two, on each side of the back, curving 
around to the armhoie. We would then take up the darts, and 
adjust the shoulder seams. Thus it is most likely we would have 
quite a neat-fitting dress for Miss Dolly. We do much the same thing 
in our New System. Having discovered that the proper fit of the 
armhoie was of the utmost importance, we spent many a sleepless 
night in thinking over the subject. We all know if the armhoie is 
too tight, it is sure to tear out, and if too large it is impossible to 
remedy it. t 

One cold night in February, when the household had been quietl} 
sleeping for hours, these thoughts, as usual, persistently haunted us. 
Suddenly an idea came, and not wishing to lose it, we hastily jumped 
out of bed, crept quietly down stairs for fear of waking the sleepers, 
and whilst shivering in the cold, we hastily jotted down the first draft 
of our New American Lady Tailor System, and then returned to our 
bed satisfied with the results, and knowing we had made one of the 
greatest inventions of the age. 

When a physician is called upon to prescribe for a patiem, if he 
first endeavors to discover the cause of the symptoms, the remedy is 
more easily found. Just so it was with us. We were the physician 
called upon to prescribe for the patient, which in this case was an ill- 
fitting dress. It had a bad fit. We discovered the cause of this 
severe illness to be in the armhoie, and we were fortunate enough to 
find the remedy and make a perfect cure. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



THE PURPOSE OP THIS BOOK. 

This book is intended to explain the Principles of Dress-cutting, 
and is founded on systematic rules y by which any one can learn to 
measure, draft, baste, cut, fit, and make dresses, without further in- 
struction. 

To Dressmakers. — It will be of great use to professional dress- 
makers, who, like the Inventor, , have had the same sad experience in 
the use of all other charts and systems. 

To Ladies in Private Life. — It is specially adapted to the use 
of those ladies who wish to alter or make their own dresses for home 
and morning wear. It is as mucn trouble or more to a dressmaker, 
to make a chintz or percale dress, as one of more expensive material ; 
yet few ladies are willing to pay as much, for it is probable that the 
making would often be three times as much as the original cost. If 
this class of work is done by the ladies themselves, or if they choose 
to superintend it at home, professional dress-makers will have more 
time to devote to the finer or more artistic work. 

To Young Ladies. — Young ladies, to you this book and the system 
it teaches will be invaluable. Many of you object to spending at least 
six or eight months time in learning the trade. 

Most of those who do this are but wasting their time. There are 
few who are taught the art of measuring, drafting, or cutting by rule, 
basting and fitting, and that all seams are put together differently ; 
some having to be stretched, while others should be held in. In fact, 
we have known dressmakers who never allowed their apprentices to 
get a glimpse of these necessary things, but kept them continually em- 
ployed in one special branch, such as quilling, ruffling, fluting, button- 
hole making, overcasting, etc. 

The time has now come when a young lady's education will be con- 
sidered unfinished unless she is an adept in this art 



10 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOE GLOVE- 



We guarantee perfect Arm-holes, Sleeves, Bust, Darts, Curves, and 
Neck without Refitting. It is simply perfect in all its simplicity and 
beauty 7 and we are pleased to cut any one Test Linings, to prove its 
merits. 

Never take instructions in any System without having Test Linings 
cut and tried on. Many claim to be Self-fitting, but judge for your- 
self whether the fit is good or bad. 

We have tried all these so-called Tailor Systems, and do not wonder 
that experienced dress-makers are disgusted with them. Practice and 
experience enable us to say that we have yet to record a single failure 
in the use of our New System. 

It is our experience, and the basis of our System, that without a 
perfect arm-hole it is impossible to have a perfect-fitting waist and 
sleeve. 

Our system is the only one by which a perfect sleeve can be made 
without a particle of alteration. The rules are so plain, both for 
measuring and drafting, that with ordinary care a mistake is almost 
impossible. 

Many will enquire, "what is the difference between the Lady Tailoe 
System, or other so-cailed Tailor Systems?" taught from pasteboard, 
with imitation square attached which is only a deception and fraud, as 
no person will ever be able to use a square without the attachment. 

By learning the Lady Tailoe System, you will be competent to 
cut like a tailor, by the tope-measure alone, designed from any fashion 
plate, either English, French or American styles. This can be learned 
in a very short time, a few hours will instruct a dressmaker, without 
refitting or the use of any pattern. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 11 



The Secret of Dressing Well. 

Good dressing does not consist in wearing costly apparel only. 
It matters not what may be the cost of any garment, if it is 
puckered and wrinkled, the form of the wearer will be disfigured 
and distorted, and she cannot be considered well dressed. On 
the other hand, we have seen ladies wearing cheaper material, 
properly used and made to fit with glove-like accuracy, thus dis- 
playing to the best advantage the figure with which nature has 
endowed them, and adding grace to the beautiful, and beauty to 
the graceful. 

It is a woman's duty to have her garments so made that they 
add to the natural charms of face, figure, age and character, to 
conceal any defect or deformity that artistic or skilled workman- 
ship can hide. Just here lies the secret of success in dressing 
well. A good fit makes even a common dress look well, and to 
look well is the very acme of beauty in the art of dressing. 

The young lady who wears a dress of expensive material, 
which is full of great wrinkles on the hips and shoulders and 
around the neck, too tight or too loose across the bust, too long 
or too short in the waist, and the shoulders of uneven length, is 
unavoidably considered slovenly by those with whom she comes 
in contact. She may be a brilliant conversationalist, and a per- 
fect Hebe in face and form, yet the effect is much the same as 
seeing a mother's big, loose wrinkled stocking upon the beau- 
tifully formed limb of a little child, the grace and symetry of 
which is destroyed, lost and unnoticed. 

Cynics may say what they choose, but " beauty unadorned " is a 
thing of the past. How much more pleasant to the eye is it to 
look at a lady dressed according to the prevailing style of the 
period, which demands the utmost accuracy of fit and the great- 
est nicety in making, than to gaze upon the old-fashioned damsel 



12 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



of the backwoods, who has little time or inclination for self- 
adornment, and thinks of naught but her chickens, cows, pigs, 
and getting meals ready for the men folks. 

dressmaking is not what it was ten years ago, for within the 
last few years the tendency of the times has called forth the 
most artistic skill. The close, skin-like fitting busts and sleeves 
of to-day require scientific cutting and fitting. A fault at once 
shows itself, and disfigures the wearer ; consequently, it is more 
essential to ladies to have perfect-fitting garments now than it 
has been at any previous time. The universal question asked is, 
" Where can I get a dress made that will not enlarge defects or 
detract from nature's gifts." A frequent mistake made by dress- 
makers will be well to note here. How often have we heard it 
said, " You are crooked ; one shoulder is higher than the other." 
The dressmaker may honestly think she is speaking the truth, 
but in nine hundred and ninety-nine cases out of a thousand she 
is slandering one of the most perfect forms created by God and 
nature. The fault lies in her own work, but occurs so frequently 
that, naturally, the question arises in her mind, " Why so much 
deformity among the noblest work of God ? " 



A NEW SYSTEM. 

We claim that our system is perfectly original in all its parts, 
from beginning to end. We cordially and gladly invite one and 
all, professional as well as amateur, to call and investigate its 
merits for themselves. It has been faithfully tried, and found 
most satisfactory in every case. Its simplicity is one of its 
greatest charms. The directions are so explicit that a child 
could understand them; therefore, we do not hesitate to invite 
friend or foe to examine and criticise our work, as we are certain 
of a decision in our favor. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 13 

REPORT OF AN INTERVIEW WITH A PUPIL. 

A lady with an intelligent, pleasing countenance, possibly about 
twenty-five or thirty years of age, was called into the room, not know- 
ing what was required of her. Previous to her entrance we were told 
that a short time before this, she and her family had met with the loss 
of the greater part of their fortune. She informed us that as she had 
several sisters, it was thought best for economy's sake, that one of 
them should learn dress-making, so that she might be able to cut, fit 
and make dresses for herself and sisters. She knew absolutely nothing 
before commencing. We give her own words. " I believe I could 
thread my needle," she said, laughingly, "but that is near about all I 
could do ; occasionally when I wanted to hurry up things a little, 
when we had a dress-maker in the house, I was allowed the privilege 
of sewing on a skirt braid, or stitching up a pocket. I have been 
under Mrs. Gartland's tuition, on an average about four hours daily, 
for about four weeks, and in this comparatively short time have 
learned enough to be trusted to make a whole dress for myself. That 
is what I am now doing, and I feel more than satisfied with my suc- 
cess ; I have most trouble in forming darts, that is, in basting the 
lines exactly opposite each other. I know I shall overcome this diffi- 
culty by experience, as ' practice makes perfect/ I recommend Mrs. 
Gartland's System cheerfully as well as gratefully to those who, like 
myself, are determined to learn all they can, to help themselves and 
others, instead of being a constant dependent on the kindness of rela- 
tives and friends." This young lady is considered by Mrs. Gartland 
perfectly competent to be a professional dress-raak^ 

INTERVIEW WITH ANOTHER PUPIL. 

This young girl is employed in the kitchen of a neighboring hotel. 
Not liking her position, the hours she is off duty, from half-past two 
until half-past five, she has spent in Mrs. Gartland's Class Rooms, for 
the last four weeks. She understood plain sewing, and had made a 
basque for herself, by ripping and taking an old one for a model, 
before taking instruction. She was all through except making a dress 
for herself, and expressed herself as delighted with the accomplish- 
ment of her wishes in so short a time, and gladly endorses all said by 
the other pupil. 



14 TKE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



THE DRESS-MAKER'S CATECHISM. 

Every Dress-maker should test herself by the following Questions. 

1. Do I honestly consider myself competent to take the goods be- 
longing to another person, and return the garment, when finished, 
without delay or fault ? 

2. Do I honestly consider myself perfect in the art of dress- 
making ? 

3. Do I thoroughly understand each and all the branches connected 
with the art of dress-making ; namely, Measuring, Drafting, Cutting, 
Basting, Fitting and Sewing? 

4. Do I understand these branches so well that I can finish a dress 
without refitting ? 

5. Do I thoroughly understand the new system by which the Sleeve 
is Measured, Drafted, Cut, Basted, and adjusted properly? 

6. Am I competent to arrange the drapery according to the style 
most becoming to the figure of the wearer ? 

7. Am I competent to give either the French or English style of 
fit, according to the wish of the wearer ? 

8. Am I competent to reproduce patterns or styles from any fashion 
plate or book ? 

9. Am I competent to invent new styles without patterns ? 

10. Can I fit a dress without the aid of Charts of any kind, simply 
by the use of shears, tape measure and ruler, as taught by " The Origi- 
nal Lady Tailor System f 

If these questions can be truthfully answered, rest assured you 
have the qualifications necessary to insure success: 

WHERE SHALL DRESS-MAKERS LOOK FOR HELP ? 

Help of all kinds is inferior to what it was formerly, although the 
salary expected is higher, and the hours shorter. Being an American 
born citizen we are sorry to be obliged to acknowledge it, but it is our 
experience that the Germans are more systematic than other nations in 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DEESSMAKING. 



15 



the education of their children. The principles of the Kindergarten 
are carried through all grades of schools, consequently the people are 
more thorough in everything they undertake. 

A number of applicants came to our office in answer to an adver- 
tisement We asked No. 1 : — 

Ques. u What do you know about Dress-making ?" 

Ans. <( I know a great deal." 

Ques. " Could you cut and fit a dress ?" 

Ans. " I could try." 

Ques. '" How long have you worked at the trade ?" 

Ans. " About two months altogether." 

Ques. " Can you sew up these seams ?" 

Ans. " Oh yes ; I know I can do that." 

The skirt is given her with seams basted. When finished we are 
obliged to give it to another hand to rip, as the stitching is both 
sides the basting, and by the time the end of the seam is reached, it is 
fully half an inch inside the basting. 

INTERVIEW WITH NO. 2. 

Ques. " Have you learned the trade regularly ?" 

Ans. u Yes, Ma'am ; I was with Mrs. six months." 

Ques. u What can you do ?" 

Ans. " I used to plait the ruffles." 

Ques. " Is that all you did in six months?" 

Ans. " Most all the time, but I sometimes pulled out basting 
threads." 

She is given ruffles to plait She commences them one inch apart, 
and finishes them three inches apart, after six months experience in 
nothing else, 

INTERVIEW WITH NO. 3. 

Ques. " Have you any experience ?" ) 

Ans. " I was with Madam one month." 



16 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



Ques. " Why did you leave ?" 

Ans. " I got tired of whipping seams and carrying home bundles." 

The seams given her to overcast were so badly done, no two stitches 
being the same size, that we did not wonder that her former employer 
made an errand girl of her. 

Is it a matter of surprise that dress-makers get desperate when 
such specimens as these present themselves for employment ? It is 
true we occasionally meet with better success, but alas ! vary, very 
seldom among our own country-women. 

Naturally you ask the cause of this trouble. It is this. In the 
days of our grandmothers, when no such luxury as the sewing- 
machine was in existence, every girl was taught to sew as soon as she 
was old enough to hold her needle. In these days even the poorest 
possess a sewing-machine, so that hand sewing is at a discount, and 
there are few expert or neat seamstresses to be found unless they are 
foreigners. 

"There are exceptions to all rules," and we would give credit where 
it is due, for there are American ladies who are skillful in the use of 
the needle, but we fear they are few in number. 

EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS. 

We have had applicants for positions from those who have had 
from ten to fifteen years experience in the old style of dress-making, 
going around from house to house among their patrons, by the day or 
week. Having had so much experience, they thought of course they 
knew all there was to learn, and that it was unnecessary to give them 
any instruction. 

Well, not caring to dispute the matter, we set them to work, and 
they invariably began in the same way. 

They first cut the body lining according to the pattern which they 
always carry with them. 

The lining is so large that two ladies might get in at one time. It 
is then tried on, wrong side out, and then the endeavor is made to get 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 17 



it small enough, by pinning the seams in tighter. The lady is told to 
come again next day, and it will be ready to try on again. 

The lady arrives next day and finds that the lining had been 
ripped apart, the outside material cut out, and the whole waist basted 
together again, but alas ! it is too tight in some places, too loose in 
others. 

A WORD TO MOTHER'S- 

Mothers, we beg of you, do not shirk the responsibility resting on 
you, but see to it that your daughters are thoroughly taught to use the 
needle while they are yet under your control. 

The sewing-machine is a wonderful invention for the saving of 
time and labor ; but in order to finish the work neatly and fasten the 
threads, hand sewing is requisite. 

HEALTH OF AMERICAN WOMEN. 
The statistics show in the reports of practicing physicians that the 
health of American women is greatly injured by the too constant use 
of the sewing-machine. The women of to-day have not the same 
vigorous constitutions possessed by their grandmothers in the past 
generation. The style of dress and manner of living may have some 
influence, but it is probable the sewing-machine has more. Why else 
do we hear so many comparatively young women, married and single, 
complaining of weaknesses of various kinds? 

SEWING-MACHINES IN DRESS-MAKING. 
The sewing-machine in dress-making should be used only in stitch- 
ing up seams. The most important and particular part of the sewing 
is done by hand, that is the finishing up. The cut and the fit may be 
perfect, but if the finishing touches are not what they should be, the 
dress is unfit to wear. 

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. 

We rejoice " with exceeding great joy " to hear that hand sewing 
has been introduced in our Philadelphia Normal School. We yet 



18 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

hope to hear that this good work commenced in the Kindergarten will 
be continued through the Primary, Secondary and Grammar Schools, 
so that when our daughters > the mothers and wives of the future, are 
ready to graduate from the Normal School, they will know, by theory 
and practice in this branch of domestic economy, more, far more, than 
most of the mothers and wives of the present. 

SCHOOLS FOR DRESS-MAKING* 

Dress-making should be taught in the same manner as other things 
are taught at school. Pupils should learn their A, B, C's, that is 
they should commence in the beginning and go step by step, and rule 
by rule, in regular order, and learn everything connected with the 
business. Then those ladies who have acquired a theoretical as well 
as a practical knowledge in every branch of the art, are qualified to 
become professional, artistic dress-makers, should stern necessity com- 
pel them to support themselves. 

Queen Victoria had a family of nine children, every one of whom 
was taught a trade. Why should not we follow that illustrious 
example ? 

To become a dressmaker in high art it is necessary to' commence in 
the same way as music is taught, that is to learn the rudiments. > A 
child can soon play a piece of music by air yet know nothing about 
music, not even the first letter and in this way never become a musi- 
cian. So you can learn to make garments by Charts or Pattern, yet 
know nothing of the art ; dressmaking must be taught the same as 
music, " by a thorough study of this Book you may become an artist. 
Trimming and Draping can easy be done after any Fashion Plate, but 
Fitting can never be copied, but must be taught by theory, strictly 
follow the rules laid down in the Book and we guarantee you will 
never make a failure," Draping can be easily learned by taking a wire 
" stand," putting over it a skirt, take any Fashion Plate and several 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 19 



yards of soft material and drape like diagram as near as possible, and 
in this way you will soon be able to drape any style you see, and also 
make original styles. You should devote a few hours every day on 
this branch. To cultivate taste do not waste your good time by spend- 
ing six or eight months in what you can learn at home in a very short 
time in taking a few lessons in theory, Fitting is generally taught in 
such places by holding the pin-cushion, you might as well take music 
lessons by holding book while another person plays. There are charts 
and models which can be learned in a few moments, but after they 
are learned, what do they amount to ? Do they not conclusively prove 
the old saying, namely : " There is no excellence without labor." 
Rules for Cutting ', Basting and Rejitting ) see Contents. 



20 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

TO DRAFT THE MEASURE OP ARM'S-EYE. 

The following dimensions will save trouble to any one drafting 
according to this system, or to any one who is unable to find the height, 
of the circle given by the measure of arm's-eye. The numbers range 
from the youngest child to the stoutest lady. 

6 inches in circumference gives a diameter of 2h inches. 

7 " " c> a 2 i « 

8 " " « te 21 " 



« 92 it 

Z 3 



9 " " <C 

10 " « « it Ol it 

11 " " « « 31 « 

12 " " « u 02 tt 

°3 

13 " " t ( u 41 u 

14 " " « « 4 l a 

^3 

15 " " « « 42 a 

16 " " " " 5 1 inches. 

17 " " « « Kl « 

°3 

18 " " « it K2 a 

U 3 

Take particular care and do not get diameter too large. It would 
be much better to get it the width of a line smaller than larger. 




fu 




FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 22 



MEASURES EOR DRAFTING PLAIN BASQUE. 

1, Neck, 13 Inches. 

% Arm's eye, 14 " 

3. Bust, *■-•-* 

4. "Waist, -■';,.- - ■• - 

5. Length of back, - 

6. Under arm, - 

7. Length of front, - 

8. Height of dart, 

9. Height of hip, 

10. Hip, - v .; - 

11. Width of back, 

12. Neck to elbow, -.--.''- 

13. Shoulder, .... 

14. Inside to bend, - 

15. Inside to wrist, .•'..*.* 

16. Upper arm, ... 

17. Middle arm, - 

18. Elbow, .... 

19. Lower arm, - 

20. Wrist, .... 



- 36 


'w 


24 


« 


* 16 


a 


8 


« 


- 13 


a 


5 


a 


- 5 


a 


40 


n 


- 13 


a 


19 


n 


- 5 


u 


8 


u 


- 16 


a 


12 


a 


- HI 


a 


11 


a 


- 10 


c< 


8 


a 



DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING MEASURE. 

The tape is taken across the back, very close under the arm, 
around the front and up over the shoulder • it is then fastened 
at the side of the neck, as shown in figure. 

1, Neck. Take a close measure outside of the collar of dress, 
removing all ties, handkerchiefs, etc., or take a moderately tight 
measure inside of the collar, about as you would have the 
dress fit. 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



2. Width of Armhole. Take a tight measure, by putting the tape 
uuder the arm, up over the shoulder, to the place in which the sleeve 
is to be sewed. Care must be taken to avoid having this measure too 
loose. 

3. Bust. 'Take a loose measure over the fullest part of the bust, 
and around the back across the shoulder blades. 

4. Waist. Take a close measure around the waist. The waistband 
is fastened around the waist. 

5. Back. Take the measure across the back, from right to left, on 
each side above the socket of the arm. 

6. Under- arm. This measure is invariably taken too short, and so 
causes the dress to tear out whenever a lady desires to raise her arms. 

The under-arm measure is taken from the bottom of waistband, 
close to the tape which is in the axilla, or arm pit. 

7. Length of Back. Take the measure from bone at back of neck 
just to the waistband, and not below. 

Should a lady be very long waisted in the back, a second measure 
should be taken from the same point at the neck, down to the exten- 
sion of her waist, over the waistband. The difference must be added 
after the first waist line is drawn on draft. This will avoid wrinkles, 
so often seen between the neck and shoulder blade, and the dress can 
not fail to fit into the figure in the back, which will also make it more 
comfortable. 

8. Length of Front. Take the measure from the hollow of the 
neck in front down to the bottom of waistband. 

Should the lady be long waisted in front, a second measure should 
be taken, and proceed as in the directions for the back. 

9. Dart Measure. The height of darts is found by measuring from 
the wais£ as high as desired. Distance between darts is determined at 
will. 

10c Hip Measure. Take measure from waist to the full height of 
hips, then take the measure around the fullest part of hips. 

If a lady has high hips or stomach, or if she wears a bustle, or if, 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



24 



on the contrary, she has small hips or small stomach, and is 
hollow in the back, note should be taken and allowance made in 
the right place,. and proceed as in rule 27, for Drafting Plain 
Basque. 

: . The waist must slope to the back, from the hip to the 
second measure taken for. length of back. ; By following these 
directions exactly, we guarantee a perfect fit around the waist 
and over the hips. 

11. Sleeve Measure. Place the hand at waist as shown in figure. 
Then place the tape at the neck, on an even line with the 
shoulder, and. draw it over the shoulder clown to elbow, deduct- 
ing length of shoulder desired, after this measure is taken. We 
then take the measures around the upper arm, halfway between 
upper arm and elbow, elbow, below the elbow, and the wrist. 
Also, from inside of arm to bend, and from bend to wrist. 




PLAIN BASQUE. 

Copyri-gkfced by Elizabeth Ga^tland. Bhilad,elpMa., 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 26 



DIRECTIONS FOR DRAFTING PLAIN BASQUE. 

1. Draw line 1, ten inches above the bottom of paper, the entire 
length of square, for waist line. 

2. Draw line 2 from centre of line 1, according to length of back. 

3. On line 2 make a dot above the waist line, for the under-arm 
measure, and draw a line parallel to line 1, for line 3. 

4. Place centre of circle on line 2, resting on line 3, and draw a 
circle according to arm's-eye nteasure. 

5. Draw line 4 through the centre of circle, the same length as line 
3. Also line 5 parallel to line 4, so it will touch the top of circle on 
line 2. 

6. Draw line 6 touching right of circle from line 5 to Mne 1. 
7„ Draw line 7 touching left of circle from line 5 to line 1. 
8. Draw th0 slanting diameters of cirole. 

9% To right of circle, on line 4, take width of back measure. 

10. Draw line 8 from waist line up through dot just made, the 
exact length of- back. 

11. Dot A is half an inc&to left of line 8 on waist line. Draw a 
line from dot A to junction ok lines 4 and 8. 

1-12* Draw a line to left of line 8 for back of neck, which is always 
one-sixth of neck measure. 

1$. Line 9 is a slanting line from end of line just drawn to junction 
of lines 5 and 6. While square is in position, dot for shoulder 
measure, add one-fourth inch and curve down to line 4. 

14. Mark On line 3 the bust measure' from line 8 for front line 
of waist, and draw line 10. 

15. Draw a line to right of line 10 for front neck, which is 
always one-fourth of neck measure, then draw a line perpen- 
dicular to this of the same length. 

16. Draw line 11 from line just drawn to meet lin^ 9 on line 5. 

17. Extend line 9 up one-half inch, and sloi)e down to length 
of back measure. 

18. Extend line 11 one-half inch and slope to front neck. 




PLAIN BASQUE. 

Copyrighted by Elizabeth Gartland, Philadelphia. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 27 



19. Measure space between lines 7 and 10 on waist line ; divide 
space in four equal parts. Two parts in centre mark the space for 
darts. The space between darts, three-quarters of an inch, is found by 
placing a mark three-eighths of an inch each side of centre mark. 

20 Draw a line in each centre of space for darts ; front dart ac- 
cording to measure, back dart one-half inch higher. Then draw the 
curve for darts. 

21. Take half the space between dot A and line 6 and make dot B. 

22. One and three-quarter inches to left of A make dot C. Place 
outside of curvature at circle on line 4, and draw a curved line to C. 

23. Draw the curve for side body by placing the inside of Curvature 
at dot B on waist line, and let it touch back line above line 3, and ex- 
tend line into Circle one-half inch. 

24. Curve the line for armhole from end of extended line, around 
to touch line 4 on opposite side. 

25. Make dot D on waist line, one-half inch to right of line 6. 
Make dot E on junction of inside curved line in armhole and 

slanting line on right, and draw line 12 to dot D on waist line. 

2G. Make dot F on inside of curved line, three-fourths of an 
inch to the left of line 2, and draw line 13 straight down to waist 
line parallel, with line 2, and make dot G. 

27. The curve for waist line is made by beginning at back 
dart and sloping up one-half inch above line 1 to line 2, and 
down again to back. 

28. The curve for inside of side body. Make a dot one-half 
inch to left of dot E, and use inside of curvature from dot just 
made to the junction of line 12 and curved waist line. 

20. To find the back line of front and width of under-arm 
gore. Take the sum of the back, side body and front measure at 
waist line, omitting the width of darts, and mark half the size 
of waist Then take half the measure between this mark and 
back dart and make dot H. The space to left is for front, to the 
right is for under-arm gore. 



28 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



30. Draw line 14 from dot E parallel to line 6 and make dot I. 
Draw line 15 from dots F to H. 

31. If the space between lines 13 and 14 is too small for under- 
arm gore, which is the same size as front from dart to back line 
on waist line, the difference is divided equally to left of line 13, 
and right of line 14, and changes the positions of dots G and I. 

32. Curve the front from dots F to H ; curve under-arm gore 
from dots F to G and E to I. 

33. Make shoulder line from end of perpendicular line at 
neck, to junction of lines 5 and 6, for line 11. 

34. The shortest part of shoulder should be directly on top, 
and is found by placing point of square at top of perpendicular 
line of side neck and top of circle, and make a mark at shoulder 
measure, then curve from shoulder line down to left of circle on 
line 4. 

35. Measure arm's eye, and if too short, add what is wanting 
to front shoulder, sloping to front neck. 

36. Draw line 16 for hip line the height of hip measure below 
waist line. 

37. Extend lines 8 and 10, and slope centre line of darts a 
little to the back; extend outside dart lines one-quarter inch 
each side of centre line; to prevent fullness in front of long 
basque, take out an additional quarter inch to left of centre line 
of dart, from about one inch above hip line. Uncommonly stout 
ladies may require two under-arm gores. Mark dots B, C, D, I, 
G and H on hip line. 

38. Slope back line from dot A to bottom of line 8. 

Inside of back is sloped from dot C one-half of an inch to left 
of dot C on hip line. 

Back of side body is sloped from B, three-fourths of an inch to 
right of B on hip line. 

Back of under-arm piece is sloped from I, one and a quarter 
inches to right of I on hip line. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 29 



Front of sidebody is sloped from D, one and a quarter inches to 
left of D on hip line. 

Front of under-arm piece is sloped from G, one and a quarter 
inches to left of G. 

Back line of front is sloped from H, one and a half inches to right 
of H on hip line. 

39. If too small after measuring all pieces on line 16, allowance 
should be made in back seams if a bustle is worn, or in darts and side 
seams if the lady has a high stomach. 

40. The front of waist is curved in from neck about one-quarter of 
an inch to line 4, curved out one-quarter of an inch, and into height 
of dart, and into waist line one-half inch, then out to one inch above 
hip line. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 31 

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR PUPILS. 

By a thorough study of these questions and answers, the pupil will 
be enabled to understand the system much better. 

Ques. What is line 1 ? 

Ans. It is intended for the waist line. 

Ques. What is line 2 ? 

Ans. For the under-arm measure. 

Ques. What is line 3 ? 

Ans. The bust measure* 

Ques. What is line 4 ? 

Ans. The right side of circle is width of back. The left side is 
width of diesL 

Ques. What is line 5 ? 

Ans. The shoulder line ends on line 5. < 

Ques. For what are lines 6 and 7 used ? 

Ans. They touch the right and left of circle and divide the body, 
the back from the front. \ 

Ques. Of what use are the slanting diameters ? 

Ans. The end of the upper right } where it touches line 5, is the 
lower end of shoulder Hue. 
. The end of the lower left marks the front seam of sleeve. 

The end of the upper left marks where fullness at top begins. 

The end of the lower right marks dot E, where inside of side-body 
is drawn to dot D. 

Ques. What is line 8 ? 

Ans. Length of bach measure* 

Ques. What is line 9 ? 

Ans. Line 9 is back shoulder line. 

Ques. What is line 10 ? 

Ans, Line 10 is front line of waist. 

Ques. What is line 11 ? 

Ans. Line 11 is front shoulder line. 
Ques. For what is line 12 used? 



32 THE AMEEICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



Ans. Line 1 2 is used to find the front line of side-body, from dot 
D to dot E. 

Ques. For what is line 13 used ? 

Ans. Line 13 is used to find front line of under-arm gore from dot 
F to dot G. 

Ques. For what is line 14 used ? 

Ans. Line 14 is used to find hack of under-arm gore, from dot E 
to dot I. 

Ques. For what is line 15 used ? 

Ans. Line 15 is used to find back line of front, from dot F to dot H. 

Ques. For what is line 16 used ? 

Ans. Line 16 is used for hip measure. 

Ques. For what is dot A used ? 

Ans. Dot A is on waist line and is used for slope of back. 

Ques. For what is dot B used ? 

Ans. Dot B is on waist line, and marks back of side-body. 

Ques. For what is dot C used ? 

Ans. Dot C is on waist line and marks front of back. 

Ques. For w r hat is dot D used ? 

Ans. Dot D is on waist line and marks front of side-body. 

Ques. For what is dot E used ? 

Ans. Dot E is at the junction of inside curve of circle, and lower 
right end of diameter, and is the top of side-body and wider-arm gore. 

Ques. For what is dot F used ? 

Ans. Dot F is three-fourthsof an inch to left of line 2 on circle, 
and is the top of front and under-arm gore. 

Ques. For what is dot G used ? 

Ans. Dot G is on waist line, and is the lower front of under-arm 
gore. 

Ques. For what is dot H used ? 

Ans. Dot H is on waist line, and marks the back edge of front 
of body. 

Ques. For what is dot I used ? 

Ans. Dot I is on waist line, and is the lower back of under-arm 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 33 



^Jk-ILXi SHZOTTIiID ttJEZJ^JD THIS. 
CAUSE AND EFFECT. GENERAL INFORMATION, 

Note. — Those who are Really desirous of improving themselves, 
would do well to get a few yards of good drilling, (do not use cheap 
goods where you are testing anything, as it practically destroys the 
test), and after measuring some form, cut several linings for the same 
form, testing the different embellishments and permissible changes 
which we have suggested in our books. A. few cents and hours ex- 
pended in this way will be of great value and assistance to any one. 
THE TRACING WHEEL. 
Many ladies purchase the System and learn to use it successfully ; 
and then, thinking to save two or three minutes of time by cut- 
ting out the dress without a tracing wheel, make a miserable failure, 
and then blame the System for their failure. This is absurd I Others 
write for instructions for drafting on the cloth in order to do away 
with the use of the tracing wheel. It is an easy matter for us to have 
instructions printed so as to draft on cloth, and to do away with the 
tracing wheel, but we think to much of the reputation of the System 
to do any thing so foolish. The tracing wheel is absolutely necessary 1 
and should be used in all cases. It saves time • it prevents inaccuracy, 
and it proves the old adage that " what is worth doing at all, is worth 
doing well." Do not get a double wheel, as it is not practical, and 
will cause numerous errors. If you are going to cut a gingham dress 
without lining, and the tracing wheel will not make a visible line to 
baste by, trace out a lining on thin Manilla paper, baste this lining to 
your goods, and after dress is all finished you can tear out your paper 
lining, and at the same time your dress will be seamed up by the 
mark of wheel, which was plainly visible on the paper lining* Get a 
good steel tracing wheel and never fail to use it! 



34 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



PATTERNS AND DRAFTINGS. 

In case a lady gets puzzled while trying to learn to make draftings 
of any garment named in " Instruction Book n or she may have a 
drafting of such a garment made, and the same traced out on paper, 
and both drafting and traced pattern mailed to her at the following 
prices : 

Full length Dress, Circular or Dolman . . $75 

Complete Basque, Cloak, Gent's Wrapper or Boy's Garment, 50 

Any single part of any Garment, . . . 25 

The above prices are for plain draftings. Each line is numbered 
and each dot lettered as they appear in diagrams in books and any 
lady having such a drafting and traced pattern with the measures to 
which drafting was made can, with the aid of her book, become per- 
fect in making the same drafting to any measure. Any measure may 
be sent, but in case no measure is sent, the measures in the books will 

be used. 

ALWAYS USE A BELT. 

Never take measures without using Belt, as you are likely to take 
back length too long which will cause wrinkles on the hips and to much 
length between arm and neck. Strictly observe all rules in the book 
and we will guarantee a fit without alteration. 

The use of Curvatures is to get even lines unless you do this, your 
seams will not be straight which causes wrinkles. They are a very 
few who are able to curve without the aid of Curvatures. 
Draw straight lines, ..... 

Curve even seams, . ' '. 

Trace in the lines . 

Stitch straight, ..... 

Press seams open ..... 

Rules ior cutting and basting, see page Contents. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



35 




PLAIN BASQUE PATTERN. 

Special rules for Measuring and Cuttting. 

For Deformed Persons. 
Very Stout " 
Very Slender " 
See Contents 



iC 



u 




MEASURES FOR DRAFTING SLEEVE. 



1, Arm's-eyty 14 inches. 


6. Upper Arm, 


12 inches 


2. Neck to Elbow 19 " 


7. Middle Arm, 


u 2 


3. Shoulder, 5 " 


8. Elbow, 


11 " 


4. Inside to Bend, 8 " 


9. Lower Arm, 


10 " 



5. Inside to Wrist, 16 



u 



10. Wrist, 



8 



it 



RULES FOR DRAFTING SLEEVE. 



1. Line 1 is inside measure and diameter of circle added. Dot on 
this line where diameter of circle begins for A, J inch to the right of 
A mark B. Dot C marks inside to bend measure from dot A. Dot 
D is half the space between B and end of line 1. 

2. LAe 2 is f of arm's-eyc measure. 

3. Line 3 is the same length as line 1. 

4. Draw lines 4, 5, 6, 7, from dots A, B, C, D. 

5. On line 5, J inch from dot B make dot E and f inch from E 
make dot F. 

6. G is one inch above line 3 on line 2. From G draw a line to line 
7 and make dot H. For every inch that the armVeye is larger than 
14 inches, the space between dot G and line 3 is made J inch larger. 
In like manner subtract J inch for every inch that the arm's-eye is 
smaller than 14 inches. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 37 



7. I is J of space between dot G and line 1. From I draw a line to 
line 7 and make dot J. 

8. K is J the space between dot I and line 1. 

9. On line 6 mark dot L 2 inches from dot C. J of inch from dot 
L make dot M. 

10. Draw lines from E to L, and from F to M and from L accord- 
ing to inside to wrist measure one inch above line 1 and make dot N. 

1 1 . Place point of square on dot N so the long arm of square touches 
dot N on line 6 and draw line 8 for wrist f of wrist measure for 
upper sleeve and make dot O. Two inches to inside of N make P 
and J of wrist measure from P, mark dot Q for under-sleeve. Take 
off from the upper and add to under-sleeve if a wider under-sleeve is 
preferred. 

12. On line 6 to inside of dot L mark for elbow, so that the upper 
sleeve is from 1 to 2 inches wider on the outside than the under-sleeve. 
Mark R for the upper-sleeve from dot L and S for the under-sleeve 
from dot M. 

13. Then take tape measure and place shoulder measure on dot I and 
measure for elbow, letting the tape measure pass line 6 between dots 
R and S and make a mark where your real measure comes to (above 
or below line 6), then draw line 9 from dot L, passing through mark 
just made. Then measure again for elbow on line 9 anel mark R 
and S on this line, 

14. .Draw lines from M to P, from H to R, last made, from R to O 
from J to S and from S to Q. 

15. In curving the upper-sleeve begin at dot E curving up to K and 
I and down to H. Curve top of under-sleeve from F to J. 

16. After curving the inside of upper and under-sleeve measure for 
middle and lower arm and curve outside of sleeve according to 
measurements. 

17. Extend upper-sleeve from dot N one-half inch and slope down 
to dot Q. 

18. The top of sleeve should always measure at least two inches more 
than arm's eye. If a raised sleeve is desired, cut the upper-sleeve from 
one-half to one inch higher.' Dotted line in diagram shows where to 
increase the curve for high sleeve. 



38 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



SLEEVE. 




MEASURES FOR DRAFTING SLEEVE. 

1. Neck to elbow, - - - - 19 inches. 

2. Shoulder, 5 " 

3. Inside to bend, - - - 8 " 

4. Inside to wrist, - 8 

5. Upper arm, - - - - - 12 

6. Middle arm, - - - HJ 

7. Elbow, ------ 11 

8. Lower arm, 10 

9. Wrist, ------ 8 



u 



a 



RULES FOR DRAFTING SLEEVE. 

1. Line 1 is inside measure and diameter of circle of arm's eye 
added. 

2. While square is in position make dot A at top end of inside 
to wrist measure. 

3. Make dot B one-half inch to left of A. 

4. Make dot C measure from dot A to inside to bend measure. 

5. Mak^ dot D one-half the space between dot A and end of 
line 1. 



Ik 



39 FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



6. Line 2 forms a right angle with line 1, and is two-thirds of 
arm's-eye measure. 

7. Line 3 is drawn from end of line 2, and is parallel with 
line 1. 

8. Draw lines 4, 5, 6, 7 from dots A B C D parallel with line 2. 

9. Make dot E on line 2 one and one-fourth inches from line 
1 ; draw a line parallel to line 1 from dot E to line 4, and make 
dot F. 

10. Make dot G online 2 one and one-half inches from line 3 
draw a line parallel to line 3 from dot G to line 7, and make 
dotH. 

The space between dot G and line 3 is made one-fourth inch 
larger or smaller for every inch the arm's-eye measure is more or 
less than 14 inches, 

11. Make dot I one-third of space between dot G and line 1 ; 
draw a line from dot I to line 7 and make dot J. 

12. Make dot K one-fourth of space between dot I and line 1 
on line 2. 

13. Make dot L 3 inches irom line 1 on line 6. 

14. Make * one and one-fourth inches to the inside of dot L. 
The space between dot L and C is made one-third inch larger 
or smaller for every inch the inside sleeve measure is more or 
less than 16 inches. 

15. Draw lines from B to L, F to L, and from L towards end 
of line 1, marking dot M according to inside to wrist measure. 

16. Place point of square on dot M with long arm touching * 
on line 6, and draw line 8 from M five-eighths of wrist measure 
for upper sleeve, and make dot N at end of line, 

17. Make dot one inch inside of M ; from make dot P on 
line 8 three-eighths of wrist measure for under sleeve. 

18. Make dots Q and R, on line 6, so that the upper sleeve be 
one inch wider than the lower sleeve* 



40 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

18. To the inside of dot L, make dots Q and R, on line 6, so that 
he upper sleeve be one inch wider than the lower sleeve for a very 

slender arm it may be only three quarters of an inch. 

19. Then take tape measure and place shoulder measure on dot I, 
and measure for length of outside measure to elbow, letting the tape 
measure pass line 6 between dots Q and R, and make a mark to where 
the real measure comes. Then draw line 9 from line L passing 
through mark just made, and then measure again for size of elbow 
on line 9 and mark 9 and R on that line. 

20. And then draw lines from P to R last made N to G from G, 
H, and from R to I and L to O. 

21. Extend bottom of upper sleeve three-eighths of an inch from 
dot M, and draw a line sloping to dot N. 

22. The outside curvature can be used for curving the inside of 
sleeve. In curving top of upper sleeve begin at dot B curving in 
half inch from dot A, up to dot K and I on line 2 and down to dot H, 
curve top of under sleeve from F to J, outside of sleeve must be 
curved according to measurement. 

Remarks. The bend of sleeve can be made less by making the 
distance between C and L smaller. Can also make the undersleeve 
one inch narrower on the inside seam. What is thus taken off must 
be added to the inside of upper sleeve, which throws the seam farther 
back. It also can be added to the outside of upper sleeve, this will' 
give a little fullness at elbow what some ladies prefer. 

N. B. Be very careful in patting in sleeve in the waist, always 

have outside seam of sleeve touching line 4 in the back in all cases. 
In basting in sleeve have the sleeve next to you as the sleeve must 
be fulled slightly, particularly in the upper part of the front of shoulder. 
Always put cotton in the top of upper sleeve ; this will improve the 
fit. French canvas may also be used instead. 



42 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 






>vry 

V ,\ ._ 

V 

t 
X 
X 

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t 
\ 

1 

■.. M ', ' 

- ' 1 
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I ■ . 
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SKIRT. 

Copyrighted toy Elizabeth Gartland v Philadelphia. 




SKIRT. 

Copyrighted by Elizabeth Gartland, Philadelphia. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 43 



MEASURES FOR DRAFTING GORED SKIRT. 

Waist Measure, 24 inches. 

Hip Measure, 40 inches. 

Length of Front, 40 inches. 

Length of Back, 41 inches. 

Width of Skirt, 2 yards. 

The length of front skirt should be taken, and the darts in top 
should le shaped according to figure. The side breadth is cut some- 
what longer than front breadth, and is but half the width. A dart is 
also taken off the edge of front breadth, and sloped to fit the figure. 
The same thing is done to back edge of side breadth. The back 
breadth is not sloped. In sewing up the breadths, a bias and a straight 
edge are put together, holding the former toward you. 

If the skirt is preferred wider, the extra fullness is invariably put 
in the back. 

Those ladies who like a long, narrow skirt, are sometimes annoyed 
by the skirt catching or drawing in front at the bottom. This is 
obviated by making two cuts in the front breadth, three inches deep, 
and about four inches from each side of the centre. To finish off the 
skirt nicely, the skirt braid should be continued around these cuts. 
The trimming falling over them, hides them from view. 

IMPORTANCE OF HIP MEASURE OF SKIRT. 
It is a mistake for any one to think that a skirt is so easily made 
that no instruction is needed. It is of as much importance for the 
shirt to fit the figure, as it is for the basque to do so. For is it not as 
impossible for one universal skirt pattern to fit all figures, either slen- 
der or stout, as it is to have one sleeve or basque pattern fit all 
sizes of arms or bodies ? A slender young girl of sixteen or eighteen 
years of age would be lost in a skirt intended for a lady of two hun- 
dred pounds weight, or vice versa, the fully developed lady of whom 
we speak would be unable to get into the skirt intended for the 
young girl. 



44 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



i; 




SLEEVE IN ONE PIECE. 

This sleeve may be made straight on the thread of the material, 
but it has a much prettier effect, particularly in plaid goods, and 
stretches at the elbow like a jersey sleeve when made bias. 

Rules for Drafting. 

1. Line 1 is inside measure and diameter of circle added ; 
make dot A as usual in other sleeves. 

2. Dot B is on line 1 and marks inside to bent measure. 

3. Dot C is one-half the space to the right between dot A and 
the other end of line 1. 

4. Dot D is one-third of space between dot C and end of line 1 

5. Line 2 is perpendicular to line 1, and is two-thirds the size 
of arm's-eye. 

G. Line 3 is parallel to line V. 

7. Draw lines 4, 5, 6, 7, from dots A, B, C, D, parallel to line 2. 

8. Dot E is one-half of line 2. Dot F is one-fourth the space 
between; dot E and end of line 1. 

9. Dot G is on, line 7, one and one-fourth inches less than one- 
half of arm's-eye. 

10. Dot H is on line 5 two inches inside of dot B. Make a star 
one inch inside of dot H. 



IU 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 45 



11. Dot I is one-half the elbow measure. 

12. Place the shoulder measure on dot F and draw line 8 
through the measure to elbow and make dot I on this line. 

13. Draw lines from A to H and from H to end of line 1, 
according to inside measure and make dot G. 

14. Place square on star and draw line 9 for wrist, so that the 
upper sleeve is one and one-half inches wider than the under 
sleeve at back seam, and make dot K for upper and L for under 
sleeve. 

15. Dot N is on line 6 one-fifth of space between outside line 
and dot C. Dot M is on the other end of the line and is the same 
distance between dot C and outside line of sleeve. 

16. Draw lines from dot G to dot I on line 8, and from dot I to 
dots K and L. The upper sleeve is extended one-fourth of an 
inch and sloped to dot J. 

17. The curvature may be used for the lower part of the inside 
of sleeve, the upper inside and both lower outsides must be 
curved according to measurements. 

18. The top of upper sleeve is curved from dot A through dot 
N and up to dot F, then to dot E and down to dot G. 

19. The under sleeve is curved up from dot A about one-eighth 
of an inch below line 4, then up through dot M to dot G. 




No. 1. 



COAT SLEEVES. 



No. 2. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 47 



RULES FOR COAT SLEEVE.No. 1. 

1. Draw line 1 from inside to wrist measure with diameter of 
arm's-eye added. 

2. Dot A is on line 1 at inside to wrist measure, and dot & is 
half an inch to the left of dot A. 

3. Dot C marks inside to bend measure, from dot B and dot D 
is one third of space between dot A and end of line 1. 

4. Line 2 is two-thirds the size of arm's-eye and perpendicular 

to line 1. 

5. Draw line 3 from end of line 2 parallel to line 1, and line 4 
parallel to line 2 from lines 1 and 3. 

6. Draw lines from dots A, B, C and D, and make lines 5, 6, 7 
and 8. 

7. Dot E is in the centre of line 2 ; dot F is one inch to the 
left, and dot H is one inch to the right of dot E. 

8. Draw a line from dot E to line 8, and make dot I. 

9. Dot G is one inch from line 3, allow one-fourth of an inch 
more or less space for every inch that the arm's-eye is greater or 
smaller than 14 inches ; then draw a line to line 8 from dot G, 
and make dot J. 

10. Make dot K on line 7, one and one-fourth inches from dot 
C, and make a star one-half inch from dot K. 

11. Make dot L on line 4, three-fourths of an inch from line 1. 

12. Slope for inside of sleeve from dot B to dot K, and down to 
dot L. 

13. Place point of square on dot L, the long arm touching star 
and draw line 9 for bottom of sleeve. 

14. Make dots M and N on line 9, so that upper sleeve measure 
will be one inch larger than under sleeve. 

15. Make dots and P on line 7, so that upper sleeve will 
measure two and one-fourth inches larger at elbow than under 
sleeve. 



48 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



10. Slope for outside of upper sleeve from dot J to and down 
to dot M, and for under sleeve from dot I] to dot P, and down to 
dot N. 

17. Curve for upper part of sleeve from dot B, passing through 
line 8 three-fourths of an inch from line 1, then through dots F, 
E and H, down to dot J. 

18. Curve for under sleeve from dot I to dot B. 

19. Extend the outside line of sleeve one-third of an inch, and 
then draw a line to dot L for lower part of upper sleeve. 

COAT SLEEVE, No. 2. 

1. Draw line 1 from inside to wrist measure with diameter of 
arm's-eye added. 

2. Dot A marks diameter of arm's-eye ; dot B is half an inch to 
left of dot A. 

3. Dot C marks inside to bend from dot B, and dot D is one- 
third of distance between dot B and end of line 1. 

4. Line 2 is two-thirds of arm's-eye, perpendicular to line 1. 

5. Lines 3 and 4 are parallel to lines 1 and 2, as in other dia- 
grams. 

6. Draw lines 5, 6, 7 and 8, from dots A, B, C and D. 

7. Dot G is one and three-fourths of an inch from line 3 on 
line 2 ; allow one-fourth of an inch more or less space for every 
inch that the arm's eye is greater or smaller than 14 inches. 

8. Draw line 9 to line 6. 

9. Dot E is one-third of space between dot G and end of line 1. 

10. Dot F is one-third of space between dot E and end of 
!} line 1. 

11. Draw line 10 from dot E to line 6 ; make dot H on line 8, 
one inch to left of line 10. 

12. Dot I is on line 7, two inches from dot C. 

13. Star is one and one-fourth inches from dot I on line 7. 

14. Dot J is one and one-fourth inches from line 1 on line 4. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



49 



15. Draw lines from dot B to dot I and down to dot J. Place 
point of square on dot J, the long arm touching star and draw 
line 12. 

16. Mark the wrist measure on line 12, so that the upper sleeve 
is one inch larger than the under sleeve, and make dots K and L. 

17. Make dots M and N on line 7, so that upper will measure 
one inch larger at elbow than under sleeve, 

18. Place the tape measure at shoulder measure on dot E, and 
mark the neck to elbow measure, passing through dots M and N 

on line 7. The dots thus made give the true length to elbow. 

19. Draw line 11 through dots just made, and mark dots M 
and N on this line, 

20. Slope for outside of upper sleeve from junction of line 9 
and 8, to dot M on line 11 and down to. dot K, and for under 
sleeve from dot H, passing the junction of lines 10 and 6 to dot N 
on line 11, and down dot L, 

21. Curve for upper sleeve from dot B, passing through dots F 
and I on line 2 down to junction of lines 9 and 8, 

22. Curve for under sleeve from dot H to dot B. 

23. Extend the outside line of upper sleeve at dot K one-third 
of an inch, and draw a line to dot J for bottom of upper sleeve. 

As the under-arm seam is alike in the upper and lower sleeve, 
material that has to be washed is more easily laundried when 
made by either of these diagrams. 



i ni 1 1. ■■ ■ i 



•WUMttlMMa 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 51 



RULES FOR CUTTING STRAIGHT SKIRT. 

Sew the breadths together without sloping, until the required width 
is obtained which is generally from two yards to two and a half accord- 
ing to the figure for an ordinary skirt. Be careful in getting the 
proper length. Then lay the material on diagram of basque and mark 
according to measurements of basque below waist line, omiting the 
back, which is gathered or plaited into the belt without any slope. 
We thus get a perfect fit around the hips, and the appearance of a 
princess dress. Trace in the same lines as for basque below waist, 
take out the same taper between waist and hip line, this give full 
width of hip measure tapering into the waist without extra pleats, 
two- thirds of skirt should always be used for front, the balance for 
the back. If a sham skirt is used baste a piece of material of the 
same as the dress and take it up with the darts which will always oive 
a nice fit and finish with the appearance of yoke. In making kilt skirt 
the foundation should always by cut by this rule, No. 2, the kilt 
plait should only reach to the darts providing, basque is long enough 
to meet it. 

RULES HOW TO KEEP SKIRT BACK. 

Divide the skirt in 3ds, § belong to front, J to back. About 2 inches 
more than half-way from the bottom of back, sew pieces of tape 2 
inches long in even distance to J of skirt, the pull-back is passed 
through the loops and fastened in each end. Rubber or steel may be 
used, the latter lifts the skirt in the back which requires the skirt to 
be cut about J of a yard wider and 2 to three inches longer in the 
back. 




SKIRT WITH TRAIN. 

The dotted lines in diagram are the foundation of skirt ; the 
solid lines are the outlines of princess' dress or wrapper with full 
train; the shorC lines are intended for box plaits for princess' 
dress or wrapper, or may be used for full train. 



FULL DRESS SUIT WITH COURT TRAIN. 

The train is cut of three widths of material the required 
length, being square at the end, and is plaited into the waist at 
back. 

When two materials are combined in the dress, as in plate, use 
the brocade for centre of tram. 

A breadth or one-half breadth, according to width of silk, is 
draped around the hips. 

When making the collar, before it is turned se\ v a wire on the 
edge, or heavy buckram may be used for lining. 




PULL DRESS. 
Twenty to twenty-five yards of plain silk for this dress, if brocaded as 
you like in cut, nine yards of each is sufficient. 



54 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



l 




FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 55 



RULES FOR BASQUE No. 2. 
This is intended for a slender lady, and lias no under-arm 



gore. 



1. Proceed as in plain basque. Find dots B and C as usual. 
Move dot C as much as you wish the back made wider, conse- 
quently move dot B to the left the same distance, in order to 
keep the space between B and C the same. 

2. Use curvature as usual, except that it is moved from one- 
third to one-half inch below the junction of lines 4 <i; and 6. 

3. To find the back line of front and width of under-arm gore. 
Take the sum of back and front measure at waist line, omitting 
width of darts, and mark half the size of waist. 

4. Half the measure between this "mark and back dart, and 
make dot H the same as for plain basque. 

5. Dot D is the same distance to right of IT as the waist 
measure is from B. 

6. Draw lines 12 and 15 from dots H and D up to junction of 
line 2 and inside line of circle. 

7. Extend lines 8, 10 and centre line of darts, Mark dots B, 
C, Dand H. 

8. Slope back line from dot A to hip line. It may be extended 
outside of line 8 if necessary. 

9. Inside of back is sloped from dot C, three-fourths of an 
inch to left of dot C on hip line. 

10. Back of side body is sloped from B one inch to right of B 
on hip line. 

11. Front of side body is sloped from D two and a quarter 
inches to left of D on hip line. 

12. Back of front is sloped from H two and a half inches to 
right of H on hip line 




BASQUE, No. 3. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



57 



MEASURES FOR BASQUE No, 3, 

1. Neck, - - - - .- -12 inches. 

2. Arm's eye, - - - - - 13 

3. Bust, - - - - • - - 34 

4. Waist - - - - : - 20 

5. Length of back, -• - - - 15 

6. Under arm, ----- 7J 

7. Length of front, - - - - 12 

8. Dart, - 5 

9. Height of hip, 5 

10. Hip, ------ 38 

11. Shoulder, - -• - 4| 

12. Width of back, - ■ - - - 11J 



f. 



RULES FOR BASQUE No. 3. 

This is also intended for a slender lady. It is in two pieces 
only, and has but one dart, and an English back. 

1. The outside lines are the same as in plain basque. 

2. Curve in the back line one-half inch inside of dot A up to 
where the slope line begins. • - 

3. Dot D is one inch to right of line 6. 

4. Dot E is one-half the space between line 2 and slanting 
diameter on inside line of circle. 

5. Draw line 12 from dot E to dot D. Place point of curvature 
on E and draw curve to D. 

6. Curve the front the same as for plain basque, except below 
waist line, where it is sloped out one-half inch to bottom of 
basque. 

7. From the waist measure take the width of back; the re- 
mainder will all be for front. The dart is generally about one 




BASQUE No. 4. 



BASQUE No. 5, 




FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 59 



and a half inches wide, and is placed directly in the centre of 
front, though it can be wider or narrower, or can be placed 
farther to the front, if desired. 

8. The height of dart is found by taking the difference between 
the front and back dart, and should slant about one-eighth of an 
inch to the back. 

9. Dot H is the same distance from back of dart as front of 
dart is from front. 

10. Draw line 15 from dot H to dot E. 

11. Back line is sloped one inch outside of line 8 on hip line. 

12. Inside of back is sloped two and a quarter inches. 

13. Back of front is sloped two and a half inches. 

14. The dart is sloped one-eighth of an inch to back, the same 
as above waist line, and may end at hip line or extend in the 
smallest possible seam to the bottom. 



BASQUE No. 4 
Proceed the same as in plain basque ; the darts are made as 
usual ; then the back of back dart is drawn one-half to one inch 
larger. What is taken out in dart is added to the back of front. 



BASQUE No. 5. 

Proceed the same as in Basque No. 4 ; then, in order to make 
darts run into one below waist line, draw front of back dart to 
centre of space between darts. What is thus added to back dart 
is taken from front dart at back ; then get the centre of front 
dart and find height of dart the same as in plain basque. 
Front dart is extended below waist line the same as in plain 
basque; the front of back dart is extended until it meets the 
back of front dart about two inches below the waist line. 




BASQUE No. 6. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 61 



MEASUKES FOR BASQUE No. 6. 
1. Neck, - - - - - - - 15 inches. 

2 Arms-eye, - - - - - 17 " 

3. Bust, - 50/ " 

4. Waist, - - 36 " 

5. Length of backj 16| inches, J inch extension. 

6. Under arm, ----- 71 " 

7. Length of front 15 inches, \ inch extension. 

8. Height of dart, - - - - 5| " 

9. Height of hip, - - - - 6 " 

10. Hip, ------ 54 " 

11. Shoulder, 6 " 

12. Width of back - - - - 16 " 



RULES FOR BASQUE No: 6. 

This basque is intended for a stout lady only, and has tw 
under-arm gores. 

Proceed as in plain basque, not forgetting to add extensions t( 
back and front, as shown in diagram. 

If a greater slope is required in the neck, what is taken off in 
front is added to the right of horizontal line at neck, to prevent it 
from being too small. 

In order to make the waist look more symetrical and bring 
the darts forward, the space between lines 7 and 10 is made from 
one to two inches smaller ; then divide into four equal parts as 
usual, allowing a full inch between darts. It is well to use this 
rule whenever the space between lines 7 and 10 is over nine inches. 

When the bust measure is more than forty inches, a plait of one- 
half to one inch and one-half is laid in the front, at arms-eye as 
in diagram. The lower line is marked dot J where it touches 
inside line of circle. 



o 



62 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

To find back line of front and width of under-arm goret- id 
the back, side-body and front measures on waist line, and mark 
one half the waist measure as usual. Then divide the space 
between the back of and back dart and waist measure into three 
equal parts. Take one part for the front and mark dot H, and 
take the other two parts for the under-arm gores. 

Draw line 14 from E to waist line, and line 15 from J to waist 
line 

Dot F is one-half the distance between dots E and G. Draw 
line 13 from dot F to waist line. The under-arm gore is then 
made the same size as space between back of dart and dot H, 
which is done by dividing the difference in measure, and adding 
it to each side of space allowed for under-arm gores, and make 
dots K and L for front gore, and G and I for back gore. For 
instance, if the space between back dart and dot H is three inches, 
and the space allowed in draft between lines 13 and 15 for front 
under-arm gore is but two inches, in order to make the gore three 
inches wide, add one half of an inch to the left of line 15, and to 
the right of line 13. The back gore is found in the same manner 
by adding one half of an inch co the left of line 13 and to the 
right of line 14. 

In measuring the arm's-eye do not neglect to omit the plait, 
and to add the same amount at top of shoulder. 

The extensions below the waist for back and side body are the 
same as in plain basque. 

The under-arm gores have one inch extension to each side. 
The back of front is extended one inch and a quarter. 

If a lady has a high stomach, curve in the darts a little below 
the waist. 



SPECIAL RULES FOR STOUT LADIES. 

The back length measure must be taken differently for stout ladies 
with round shoulders. Take the measure from back of neck to guide, 
and note the measure. Then from guide to full extent i 1 the waist 
Ladies of this figure are generally long waisted in the b u k, and with 
very large hips. 

In making draft this measure must be used up an! down on bust 
line, the same as in measure, as the round shoulder uses up the cloth 
and will make the dress short waisted in the back, and will also drag 
the seam towards arm's-eye. 

Ladies with flabby or heavy bosom. A tight bust measure must be 
taken. After draft is drawn, from three-quarters to an inch must be 
added to top of neck, as the veight of bosom will drag it down. 

Also in basting shoulder seam, from one-ealf to three-quarters of an 
inch is taken up besond tracing line on front, from neck to arm's-eye 
A lady of this figure likes the feeling of a tight dress. 

The darts in front must be thrown back a trifle, perhaps a half to 
three-quarters of an inch more than for a slender fiigure; a little more 
curve is required between height of dart and waist line. 

SPECIAL RULES FOR SLENDER LADIES. 

Slender ladies with round shoulders. The length of back is taken 
the same as for stout ladies. 

Fewer seams, greater space in back and between darts give a less 
slender appearance. 

An English back should be worn by a very slender lady. 

One of the advantages of this system is that the seams and spaces 
can be made to suit both wearer and cutter, and never interfere with 
the fit of dress. 

To give a square shoulder, cut the shoulder one-half inch to 1 inch 
longer and put three or four layers of cotton between outside and 
lining. In putting in the sleeve, put it over the waist as short as you 
wish the shoulder to be, do not cut the waist under the sleeve, put the 
extra fullness on top of sleeve this will give a square shoulder, the 
inside of waist may be boded like cut of Riding Habit waist. 

To give the appearance of a square shoulder cut the shoulder a tri- 
fle longer and put three or for layers of cotton between outside and 
lining. In putting in the sleeve put it over the waist as short as you 
wish the shoulder to be. 

Do not cut the waist under the sleeve, and put extra fullness on 
top of sleeve. This will give a square shoulder. The inside of 
waist may be padded like cut of Riding Habit shows. 



65 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOK GLOVE- 







STOCKINET JERSEY WAIST. 




SLEEVE. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 66 




STOCKINET JERSEY WAIST. 

This is cut on the same principle as basque No. 3, with English 
back and no under-arm gore, except that it is usual to omit the 
dart. 

Make the draft from two to four inches less than actual mea- 
surement of waist and bust, according to the elasticity of the 
goods. To prevent the waist from being short waisted, add one 
inch to length of back, one-half at top of neck and one-half 
below the waist line ; to the front add one inch below the waist 
line, also in front curve in one inch at waist. 

When no darts are used, all the cloth should be taken out at 
the side as shown in diagram. The under-arm seam must be one 
inch shorter than measure to waist line, and the skirt below the 
waist line is four inches shorter than front skirt. This prevents 
the bias seam from stretching longer than front or back. 

One length of full width stockinet jersey cloth, or in other 
words three-fourths of a yard is all that is required for making a 
medium sized house jersey. 



67 THE AMEKICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



DIRECTIONS FOR DRAFTING STOCKINET 
JERSEY SLEEVE. 

1. Draw line 1 the length of inside wrist measure and diameter of 
circle added. 

2. Dot on this line for it, where diameter of circle begins. Dot Tl 
is one-half inch to right of A. 

3. Line 2 is one-half of upper-arm measure. 

4. Line 3 is the same length as line one. 

5. Line 4 is drawn from end of line 1 to line 3. 

6. Line 5 from dot B to line 3. 

7. Dot C marks one~half of line 2. Draw a line from C to line 5. 

8. Dot D is one-third of line just drawn. 

9. Dot E is one-half of wrist measure from line 1. 

10. Draw a line from junction of line 3 and 5 to dot E and curve 
this line in about a quarter of an inch. 

11. Curve top of sleeve from junction of line 3 and 5 through dot D 
to junction of lines 1 and 2. 

By cutting this sleeve lay the material double on line 1 and cut 
around the pattern. The sleeve is put in the waist so the inside scam 
meets line 2. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



68 




BASQUE, with Plaits in Back. 

Copyrighted by Elizabeth Gartland, Philadelphia, 

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING PLAITS IN BACK OP 

BASQUE. 

If the lady is short-waisted an addition of about five inches is made 
at Waist line, on each side of back ; when the Basque is put together 
this forms a double box plait on each side of the back seam. If the 
lady is long-waisted the addition is made at the extension of back, 
one or two inches below waist. 

Make four or five inches on each side of back form according to the 
fullness desired. If a lady is short-waisted this addition is made one 
or two inches below Waist line, which will give her the appearance of 
a long waist. To give a short-waisted effect start at the Waist line. 
The plaits are continued for Princess Dress or Wrapper. 



69 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

POLANAISE, PRINCESS DRESS AND WRAPPER. 

These are all cat on the same principle as the Plain Basque. They 
may have either one or two darts, which are carried below waist to 
hip. Prepare the pattern the same as for Basque. Cut each part of 
lining first, and lay front and under-arm on material, letting the front 
side-body touch on hip measure. Keep the pattern straight on waist 
line, without cutting open, then cut down the full length of skirt. 
Always lay the pattern so as to slope out in front, about an inch and 
a half or two inches below the hip line. By thus sloping wider it 
will meet at the bottom of skirt, and always keep the dress from 
riding up in front. 

The Waist Lining should reach to about eight inches bolow 
waist, if not lined all through, so as to take up a plait below the 
hip, behind the front side-body, which will always keej) }^our 
skirt from throwing unnecessary fullness toward the front. This 
is done on draft before the pattern is traced on lining. 

These garments may all be cut with or without plaits or train. 
The dotted lines in back of pattern are intended for box plaits. 

A long or short coat, an ulster and a polonaise, are also cut on 
the same principle. The last named may be draped according 
to taste. 

The back of same dress. Lay your lining or paper pattern on 
goods the same as front. If double width goods is used, lay the 
centre of back on fold, with the lining or pattern about six or seven 
inches from the edge of back. 

The back side-body is placed the same distance from the back form 
as the back is from the edge, which will allow for fullness in the back. 

Cut around the pattern of waist, leaving the cloth in one piece 
about one-half yard longer than skirt measure below waist, which 
will make the drapery of polonaise. 







PRINCESS DRESS COAT & WRAPPER 

Copyrighted by Elizabeth Gartland, 1865. 




PRINCESS DRESS or WRAPPER. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



72 




ULSTER WITH CAPE. 

This is cut the same as the plain ulster. The cape is cut by 
draft like a yoke, except that it is deeper, there should be no seam 
in the back. 

The shoulder pieces are cut a little wider and highci than 
upper sleeve. 



73 



THE AMEKICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 




FRONT and BACK OF SEALSKIN & SEAL PLUSH COAT. 

This is cut in the same plan as basque No. 2, in three pieces with 
or without dart, coat sleeve with cuff rolling collar. Double the 
length of material, fifty-six inches wide is sufficient for this coat. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



74 




CUTAWAY. 




WALKING JACKET. 




COLLARS. 



75 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 






QUANTITY OF MATERIAL REQUIRED. 

Basque for Slender Lady. 

Material, 24 inches wide, - 3 yards. 

Extra for plaits in back, - OJ 

Silesia for lining, 2 

Basque for Stout Lady. 
Material, 24 inches wide, - - 3f to 4J yards. 
Lining 2j " 

Princess Dress and Wrapper. 

Material, 24 inches wide, - - 6 to 7 yards 

48 " " - - 3i " 

Lining, - - - - - - 2 

Extra allowance must be made for plait in back and train. 

Ulster and Coat. 

Twice the length of garment, measured from shoulder to length 
required is sufficient when the cloth is one and one-half, to two 
yards in width. A lady's long coat, medium size will take six 
and one-half yards of material, 24 inches wide. 

Polonaise. 

Material, 24 inches wide, - - 7 to 8 yards. 

Plain Skirt without Gores. 
Material, 24 inches wide, 5 yards. 

48 " " 2 J " 

If tucks are desired, allowance must be made for extra material. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DEESSMAKING. 76 



Gored Skirt. 

Material, 24 inehes wide, - - - 4 J yards. 
Extra for trimming, ■ r - — - 1 to 2 " 

Material, 48 inches wide, - - - 2^ " 
Extra for trimming, - - - Of to 1 " 

Child's Suit. 
Material 24 inches wide, 6 to 7 yards required for a child 6 years 
old. One to one and a half yards more for each additional year. 

Boy's Suit 

Material for jacket, 2 yards of single width for boy of six years ; 
half the quantity for double-width goods. 

Material for pants, 1\ yards for single-width and the. length of 
pants in double-width goods. 

Allow one-quarter to one-half of a yard more material in jacket 
for every additional year. 

Dolman. 



Material 22 inches wide, 9 yards. 

« 48 a u _ _ _ ^ 4 i a 

u 54 u " - - ' _ 4 " 



77 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



: 



I 



ii 




i 



BACK OF TAILOR CUT COAT. 

To make now market or ulster, cut down the full length of dress 
skirt, front view on opposite page, is done in the same moment can 
be made single or double-brested, this pattern is for short coat. 



L 




FRONT PATTERN DOUBLE-BREASTED GOAT. 



This diagram is so easily drawn that little extra instruction is 
needed. The double-breasted effect is made by doubling the ma- 
terial over at front line the required width, and shaping the lap as 
in diagram. The diagonal front is made in the same manner. When 
a tight fitting coat or waist is desired a seam is taken in accord- 
ing to the curve of the front line. 

When one dart is used as in this coat, it may be curved around 
as in diagram and a pocket inserted. 




This dress is cut plain Gabriel or in other, words Princess, with plait- 
ing at the. bottom with a straight piece gathered and turned up which 
forms a puff with a cutaway coat like dotted line in diagram opposite. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



SO 




CHILD'S DRESS. 



81 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



CHILD'S DRESS. 

This is drafted on the same principle as plain basque for ladv. 
The measures are taken in the same manner. No darts are required 
in a child's dress, but one dart may be used in a dress for a miss. 

The diagram shows how the draft may be drawn, either plain, with 
or without yoke, side-body or seam to shoulder. It may also be made 
with a vest, or a cutaAvay, and may be trimmed according to taste. 

The skirt is also cut the same as that of a Lady's. 

For Mother Hubbard the yoke which you see in Diagram marked 
tjius >>>>>> is used with a straight piece of material gathered on, 
completes this dress. 

For Gabrielle dress straight lines in diagram are used. 

The same lines for basque any length desired. 

If buttoned in back allow for lap in cutting lining. Dots in dia- 
gram indicate cut-away. BloUo waists are made the same as direc- 
tions given for gymnastic suits. 

Measures for children are taken the same as for ladies, only not so 
tight. 

A child's dress must be loose to be stylish. Aprons are cut on the 
same principles. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



82 




k 






BATHING SUIT. 



MOTHER HUBBARD WRAPPER. 

This garment can be cut by the opposite plan of bathing suit draft 
with extra cloth added to the back and front for gathers which are 
continued the full length of skirt desired, follow the same rule for 
children. 



83 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 





BATHING SUIT DRAFT. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 84 



BATHING SUIT. 

If a plain bathing suit is needed, draw the yoke from draft, and 
add about five inches to the back of yoke, and seven inches to the 
front before cutting the waist, as shown in the diagram ; continue 
down below the waist line for full length of skirt, if the suit is to 
be all in one ; if preferred, the skirt may be separate, and gored as 
in plate. 

It seems scarcely necessary to add that, when cut according to 
diagram, the lower part of waist should be separated from yoke, 
and gathered or plaited into it. A leather belt or one made of 
the material may be worn. 

The drawers may be drafted the same as in boy's suit, or they 
may be cut six to eight inches wider at the bottom, and gathered 
in at or above the ankle, as shown in the plate. 

The sleeve is a regular coat sleeve, or it may be made wider 
and gathered into the wrist to correspond with the bottom of 
pants. 

In making this suit, about four yards of double-width material 
is required. It is generally made of flannel for woollen goods of 
some kind, as the body feels less chilled by contact when wet. 

In Europe a sort of twilled cotton goods, similar to drilling or 
ticking, is used; it is made in red, blue or yellow, striped with 
white, or some contrasting color, and trimmed with knit lace to 
match. This material is softt and pleasant to the touch, and vet 
heavy enough not to cling to the person after bathing. 



85 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



LAWN-TENNIS SUIT. 

The skirt of this suit is made of lady's cloth, flannel or striped 
stockinet in two or more bright colors, and requires four lengths 
of single-width material. 

The waist may be made similar to the blouse of the gymnastic 
suit, but a dark jersey waist, matching one of the colors in the 
skirt, is often worn. 

BAPTISMAL ROBES. 

Are made of black or white flannel, serge, cashmere, or merino, 
in the severest and plainest style. They may be cut according to 
diagram for bathing suit ; it is usual to put lead into the hem of 
the skirt to prevent it from flouting. 

YOUNG GIRL'S GRADUATING DRESSES. 

Are made of white or cream colored nun's veiling, or of very 
sheer organdie. They are made in the simplest style, usually 
with a round waist fulled into an embroidered yoke. The skirt 
and apron drapery are trimmed with ruffles, edged with Valen- 
ciennes lace. 

Confirmation suits should have little or no trimming on them, 
and should be made of white nun's veiling, victoria lawn or any 
plain white goods that is not too sheer. The high neck and long 
sleeve should be lined. The skirt is usually plain, and tucked 
nearly to the waist. 

The Roman Catholic candidates for confirmation wear a long 
silk illusion veil ; a long ribbon sash is worn around the waist, 
tied in a bow, and hangs down at the side. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 86 



GYMINASTIC SUIT. 

This suit is generally made of flannel or lady's cloth, and 
requires four yards of double-width, or eight yards of single- 
width material. 

The blouse is cut by the outside lines of draft for plain waist, 
adding one inch to length of shoulder, and two inches to bust 
measure ; divide the extra fullness between the back and front, 
which will cause the draft to be one-half inch wider each side of 
arm's-eye; the belt should not be too tight, and it should be 
about three inches wide. As the blouse hangs over the belt, when 
finished, it should be cut fully nine or ten inches longer than to 
waist line. Allowance should be made for a wide box plait each 
side of back and front. 

The skirt should be four yards wide, and just long enough to 
cover the knees ; allowance should be made for a hem three 
inches deep ; it is then plaited into the belt in four double box 
plaits-one in front, another at the back, and one on each hip. 

The sleeve is in one piece, and is fully eighteen or twenty inches 
wide ; it is sloped off at the top about two inches, and inside of 

arm about one and a half inches. Allowance should be made for 
a ruffle and facing before cutting out the sleeve; a casing is run 
into the goods at the head of the facing, and if an elastic is put 
into, it, the bottom of the sleeve forms a ruffle. 

The pants are twenty-two inches wide at the bottom, and are 
similar to the bathing pants, — they are finished up, the same as 
the sleeve, with a ruffle ; they should be long enough to reach 
below the knee, but they are generally brought above it, and 
hang over just as the blouse does; they should not be visible 
below the skirt ; the stockings should always match in color. 



87 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



i 



■ 




LONG DOLMAN. 

This can be made with or without plaits according to taste, 6 yards 
of single width or double width 54 inches, 2 width from the shoulder 
down the skirt desired is sufficient 




DOLMAN DRAFT. 



89 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



MEASURES, FOR DOLMAN. 

The measures for dolman are taken the same as in ordinary 
basque, except the sleeve, of which there are three measures, 
viz : — 

First measure, - - - - 20 J inches. 

Second " - . - 22 

Third " - - - , - - 21 

1. Place the hand at waist, then measure from the middle of 
back, straight across the centre of arms-eye to middle of front. 

2. Measure across the fullest part of bust, from back line to 
front line, over the outside of arm. 

3. Measure from centre of back, on a line with the elbow, 
around the outside of arm to wrist bone. 




RULES FOR DRAFTING DOLMAN. 

1. Draft outside lines as in plain basque ; make dots B and C 
as in ordinary basque, and move dot B as far to the left as dot C 
is moved from its usual place. 

2. Three inches from dot A make dot C. The back at waist 
line can be made wider, if preferred. 

3. Slope down from shoulder measure to line 3, about one-third 
the distance between lines 6 and 8, continue down to dot C. 

4. Front of dolman. Slope down from shoulder measure to line 
3 about one inch to left of line 7. The curve is continued down 
to dart on hip, and then across to dot B a little above hip line. 

5. The dart is made three-fourths of an inch each side of line 
2, and is sloped down to hip line. 

6. The sleeve commences where the shoulder line touches line 
2, and curves down each side, touching the top corners of square 
formed on arms-eye. The back slopes down to dot C, parallel 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 90 



with curved line of back. The front is sloped down according to 
measures. Any style of sleeve may be used according to taste. 

7. The extensions are made to allow four inches more than hip 
measure. 

S. Plaits in back are done the same as the postillion basque. 



Use same measure and draft by the rule as boy's pants, width for 
gather may be added as much extra as would be desired according to 
taste, if bloomers are desired follow the rule of bathing suit pants. 




SHORT DOLMAN. 

This is cut in same plan as the long one, may be trimmed according 
to taste with lace or fringe, a skirt garment of this style requires plenty 
trimmings from 2J to 3 yards of silk, velvet or plush single width is 
sufficient. 




RUSSIAN CIRCULAR. 

This must be cut with from 3 to 6 inches extension on each side of 
back form commencing about 2 inches below waist line, must be from 
2f to 3 yards wide at the bottom when finished, can be lined with 
quilted silk or satin or fur, 3 to 3J material 60 in wide is required. 




PATTERN FOR RUSSIAN AND PLAIN CIRCULAR. 



93 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



RUSSIAN CIRCULAR. 

The quantity of material required will be twice the length in 
double-width goods. Care should be taken to measure from the 
top of shoulder line. The other measures are taken the same as 
in dolman, omitting the third sleeve measure. 

The front is drafted according to diagram, the upper front 
being lapped over the under front as far as the star at the lower 
part, and are then sewed together, excep tthe space between stars 
through which the arm passes. 

The back is drafted as many inches below the waist line as 
desired, before allowing for plaits. 

The front and back should both be cut lengthwise on the goods, 
the nap running down when made in cloth, and up when plush 
or velvet is used. 

When finished, this circular should measure around the bottom from 

2 to 2 J yards not counting the plaits. 



PLAIN CIRCULAR. 

The quantity of material required, is twice the length from top 
of shoulder line in double-width goods. 

Draft according to outside lines of Russian circular, except 
below waist line in back where the dotted line should be used. 
Care must be taken to keep the length at side, the same as front 
and back. 

In cutting the plain circular, lay the pattern so that the front 
and back lines are perpendicular to each other. Be careful to get 
both fronts on the selvedge, and the nap of the cloth to run the 
same way. This garment has but one seam only in the back and the 

shoulder seam as seen in cut. 



95 THE'AMEKICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



RIDING HABIT. 

The -waist of a -riding habit is made the same as ordinary 
basque, except that it is quite short in front and over the hips. 
It is sometimes cut off entirely below the waist line and a postil- 
lion back is added. The basque also is sometimes made with- 
out a seam in the back, when this, is done, an extra slope is of 
course taken off at the sides, in order to taper the waist to the 
proper size. 

The skirt of a riding habit is cut long enough to lay on the 
floor several inches in the back and right side. The front and left 
side is sloped like a train skirt, about one-half yard longer. The 
skirt fits neatly over the front and hips. Allowance is generally 
made in a tailor-cut dress for the bend of the knee. Amateurs 
should not attempt to allow this fullness without great care in 
measuring. ; 

It is usual for ladies to wear pants under a riding habit. These 
are made by tailors exactly like a gentleman's pants, fitting neatly 
to the figure, and may be worn with a strap under the boot, or the 
boots may be worn outside. They may be cut by- the rules given 
in this book for boy's pants. ■.--"'"' 

The best material for making a riding habit, for wearing in 
winter, is heavy stockinet or jersey cloth, as it wears better and 
is much warmer than lady's cloth, which is more suitable for 
spring and autumn. ::„-.—-- 

The waist should be lined and padded thoroughly like a gentle, 
man's coat. 

The pants should be lined with chamois skin. 

About five yards of double-width goods is sufficient for making 
a full habit, waist, skirt and pants. 

The colors mostly used are dark blue and black ; green and 
brown are sometimes used, but are more apt to fade. 



^ 



J iM 






}y// 



Hi 



xi 



:s? 



W.H.MILLERSSe^^ 




W.H.MILLER^SS^ 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



98 



RIDING HABIT WAIST. 




This cut shows how the inside of Habit Waist must be Padded to 
set nicely, inside of slender ladies' coat or waist may be finished in the 
same way with the exception of the whale bones, the latter should 
only be used for stout ladies if at all. Rules of Basque No. 5, makes 
a pretty front of a Riding Habit. 

A nice way to put in whale bones is to cover the bones first with 
silk or a piece of the same lining as used in waist, and fasten along 
the seam about two inches apart, always stretch the seams tight against 
the bones. 



99 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



1 




DIAGRAM OF REFORMED WAIST. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 100 



REFORM WAIST AND CORSET COVER. 

Many ladies are recommended by their physicians to discard 
corsets entirely and wear instead a body with buttons attached, 
so that the weight of the clothing may be carried by the shoul- 
ders instead of the hips. This reform waist may be bought in 
the stores, but they are rather expensive; a knowledge of the 
A. L. T. S. will enable any one to make her own. 

The diagram of plain basque, or the one with English back, 
will make either a corset cover or reform waist. For the latter 
one row of buttons should be placed one and one-fourth inches 
below waist line, and another row one and one-half inches below 
the first row. 

The seam in the back may be carried up to the shoulder as in 
diagram if preferred. When this is done, the back should be 
made broader at waist line by increasing the distance between 
dots A and C. A basque may be cut in this way, and is becoming 
to those who wish to appear more slender. If desired, in mak- 
ing the corset cover, one dart may be used, and the seam may 
then be carried to the shoulder in front. 

This waist is made according to fancy in the front or back, but 
is always cut on the same principle. The diagram represents one 
with a yoke. Below this, and over the bust only, a bias piece 
may be inserted. This should be faced down the front with a 
straight piece of material, and allowance should be made for full- 
ness of about two inches less than double the width of front. 
The lower part is sloped down one-half inch deeper in the middle, 
then up two inches to under-arm gore seam if correctly cut the 
grain of material will run straight at this seam. The body 
should be faced below the waist line and buttons placed as in 
the description for the plain reform waist. 

The drawers and skirts worn with this waist should all be 



L 



101 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

mado with yokes ; button-holes should be placed at convenient 

distances, so that they correspond with the buttons on the waist 

to which they are to be fastened. 

The neck should be cut somewhat lower than usual or the 

trimming will be visible. A long or short sleeve may be worn 

with this waist, or the trimming may form a sleeve. 

Undervests and drawers can be bought woven in one piece, or 
if preferred, they may be sewed together. It is unnecessary 

to wear any other garment under this waist ; the merino can of 

course be changed with the season. 

Those ladies who prefer wearing corsets, may use the reform' 
waist as a corset cover. The buttons may or may not be used. 

The ease, comfort and beneficial effects from wearing a waist 
of this kind must be apparent to all. 



103 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 




BOY'S JACKET. 

MEASURES FOR BOYS SUIT. 
Jacket. 

1. Neck ....... hi inches. 

2. Arm's-eye, 11 " 

3. Bust, 29 " 

4. Waist, 25 " 

5. Length of back, - 12f " 
p \ Length of front, - - - Hj " 

7. Under arm, 7 u 

8. Inside measure of sleeve, - - 10 " 
P. Wrist measure, - ... 7 « 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 104 



■* 



Rules for Drafting Jacket 
Proceed as usual in drafting outside lines as in lady's plain 
basque. There are no darts required, as children's garments are 
loose-fitting: Allowance must be made for tucks and plaits, if 
desired. 

Rules for Drafting Sleeves. 

1. Line 1, inside measure, one-third of diameter of arm's-eye 
added, marking dot A, at inside measure, and B at end of line. 

2. Line 2 is one-half of arm's-eye measure. 

3. Line 3, parallel to line 1, make dot C on line 2 at one-half 
of arm's-eye measure. 

4. Line 4, parallel to line 2, from line 1 to 3 from dot B. 

5. Line 5, parallel to line 2 from dot A. 

6. Line 6, parallel to line 2, one-third of diameter of arm's-eye, 
and mark dot D on line 3. 

7. Dot E, on line 2, is one-half the distance from line 1 to dot 
C ; then draw line 7 from dot E to line 5, parallel with line 1. 

8. Dot F is in the centre of line 5. 

9. Dot G is in the centre of line 3, between dot D and end of 
line 4. 

10. Place the point of square on dot B, with long arm resting 
on dot F, and mark dot H at one-half the wrist measure. 

11. Curve for the top of upper sleeve, from dot A to the junc- 
tion of line 7 and 6, up to dot C, and down to dot D. 

12. Curve for lower sleeve, from H to F, and up to D. 

13. Curve for the inside of sleeve from B to A, one-half inch 
inside of line 1. 

14. Curve for the outside of sleeve is from II to G. 

15. This sleeve can be made tighter, and used for children's 
dresses. 



105 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 




BOY'S PANTS. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 106 



Pants. 

Outside measure - - - - 15 Inches. 

Inside 

Waist, .: - - - - - 23 

Hip, ~ 32 



71 « 



RULES FOR DRAFTING. 

(Back of Pants.) 

1. Draw line 1, one inch longer than outside measure. 

2. Line 2 is one-fourth of waist measure, add three-fourths of an 
inch and make dot A. 

3. On line 1, one inch to the left of line 2, make dot B. 

4. From dot B draw line 3 to dot A. 

5. Make dot C on line 1 the height of inside measure. 

6. Draw line 4 from dot C, parallel to line 2, to one-fourth of 
hip measure add three-fourths of an inch and make dot D. 

7. Draw line 5 from the end of line 1, to one-half of knee mea- 
sure add one-fourth of an inch, and make dot E. 

8. Draw lines from A to D, from D to E, and extend it half an 
inch below dot E, and draw line 6. 

9. Make a dart in centre of line 3 three-fourths of an inch wide. 

(Front of Pants.) 

1. Draw line 1, the length of outside measure. 

2. Draw line 2, from end of line 1, one-fourth of waist measure, 
and make dot A. 

3. One-fourth of an inch to the left of A make dot B. 

4. Make dot C, on line 1, the height of inside measure, and 
draw line 4, one-fourth of hip measure, less three-fourths of an 
inch. 

5. Draw line 5, from end of line 1, one-half of knee measure, 
less one-fourth of an inch, and make dot E. 



107 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



6. Half an inch to the right of line 1, on line 5, make dot H, 
draw line from junction of lines 2 and 1 to dot H, for slope of 
side. 

7. Draw a line from D to E, and extend it one-half inch, and 
draw line 6. 

8. Two inches to the left of dot D draw a line to dot B, and 
curve for front of pants as shown in diagram. 

9. In cutting out the pants be sure to follow the inside lines 3, 
6 and 9. 

10. Outside piece to the left of back, can be cut with the pants 
for a lap under at pocket, or it can be sewed on. 

For Ladies' and Children's drawers use same measure and draft by 
the rule as boy's pants, width for gather may be added as much extra 
as would be desired according to taste • if bloomers are desired follow 
the rule of bathing suit-pants. 

To make the Boy's Jacket with pleats, allow twice as much for 
every pleat as you want to make the pleats wide, or, if no lining is 
used make the pleats first, then lay the pattern on and cut around. 

In making Boy's Overcoat extend down to desired length. They 
are generally double-breasted, which is made by allowing more lap in 
the front. 





dtm 





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Wast 








GENT'S SHIRT, 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DBESSMAKING. 



110 



GENT'S SHIRT.— (Taking Measures). 

1. For neck measure use the size of collar worn, or take a smooth 
measure around neck next to skin, low down, and add one inch to it. 

2. Remo ve coat and take the arm's eye measure as for a lady's basque. 

3. Take chest measure, measuring entirely around the form, over 
the vest. Take an easy measure. 

4. Take under-arm measure same as for lady's basque, measuring 
down to the top of hip bone at side. 

5. Take shoulder measure same as for lady's basque. 

6. Take length of shirt measure from front of neck down in front 
to length desired. 

7. Take length of bosom in same way. 

8. Take arm to elbow and arm to wrist measures same as for a 
lady's basque. 

Diagram shows plain how to draft a shirt, the outlines are the same 
as lady's basque, with the exception of the shoulder. Take off the 
front from one to two inches and add it to the back shoulder which is 
stitched on the front forming a yoke. Shoulder can be cut as short 
as desired. 

See cut for shape of sleeve. Make top of sleeve from two to three 
inches wider than arm's eye measure if gathers desired. Sloped down 
to wrist and make allowance for gathers which are sewed to cuff or 
wrist-band. The seam may be sewed up and cut open on the top of 
wrist, which will prevent the annoyance of cuff buttons to a gen- 
tleman who does a great deal of writing. A two inch facing around 
top of sleeve is necessary, and a shirt that is faced from the neck to 
one inch below the arm-holes all around, is far more durable. 




GENT'S COAT OE DKESSING GOWN. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. H2 



GENTLEMEN'S COAT OR DRESSING GOWN MEASURES. 

Remove coat and take arm's eye measure same as for lady's basque, 
loose not tight. Take chest or bust measure. Take waist measure 
smoothly, not tight. Take back, shoulder and under-arm measure 
same as lady's basque. All measurures are taken over the vest and 
under the coat. 

RULES FOR DRAFTING. 

Gentlemen's coat, smoking jacket or dressing gown of any kind 
may be measured or cut on the same principle with the exception of 
neck. Back of neck is sloped J inch below back line. On line 11, 
2 inches from neck line make a mark and slope the front neck down. 
This throws the shoulder seam over the arm and away from the neck, 
and gives a square shoulder as a gentlemen's garment is cut different 
from a lady's. As many inches as you wish to turn over for collar or 
to make it double breasted add to the front, which is generally from 
2J to 3 inch. A small dart of about J inch deep and from 2 to 2J 
inches long is required at the neck. This is done by cutting into the 
goods and sewing up again as you see in diagram. The latter rule 
may be adopted for a lady's double-breasted coat. For dressing gown 
or smoking jacket the dotted lines are not used. For dressing gown 
and wrapper extend down to length required. In drafting sleeve for 
gent's garment use lady's coat sleeve and add from 1 J to 2 inches to 
the average measure. Use less bent as a gentlemen's sleeve is nearly 
straight. 

Gentlemen's garments should have as much as five or six layers of 
padding on top of shoulder tapering with less layers around arm-hole 
and lined with canvas. Padding must be catstitched on the canvas, 
latter should reach to the edge of the coat in the front. Garments for 
house use don't require so much pading. Smoking jackets are gener- 
ally made of velvet plush, cashmere, and any color desired. Cuffs 
and collars can be made of fancy quilted silk or satin of different 
color, with cord and buttons to match. 



113 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 




GUIDE FOR CUTTING BIAS. 

Cut the end of material straight, so that it is exactly perpen- 
dicular to the selvedge, then fold it down to the selvedge and cut 
through the fold, laying aside the triangle for future use. Place 
the short end of square evenly on the bias side, and measure on 
long square the width desired, do this several times, as shown in 
guide. Rule lines through the dots thus made, and a true bias is 
obtained. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. H4 



<* 



RULES FOR CUTTING. 

All seams must be allowed except in neck and arm's-eye. One-half 
inch is enough, except under the arms, where the seams should be 
somewhat deeper. It is absolutely necessary to use a tracing wheel, in 
order to have your lines pirfectly true. 

After the dress is well cut, it must be made with great care, paying 
strict attention to the rules. 

It is economy to use good material for lining. 

Be careful always to lay the cloth so that both lining and outside 
run the same way, as your dress will be sure to wrinkle if either one 
or the other is on the bias. 

In Cutting Velvet, the nap must run up, in Plush likewise? 
in Seal Plush down. 

In cloth nap down inside of fold is the right side of cloth, in cut- 
ting plaid be sure to match stripes in waist, skirt and trimming which 
can always be done. Straight fronts and backs in waist lines should 
be cut the latter, which can easy be done in our system of cutting, 
if all rules are carefully observed, we guarantee perfection. 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

Changing seams in different ways from the general rules, for instance 
to give a slender lady a larger appearance, throw the front seam next 
to darts further back by taking off the under-arm gore and adding to 
the front. The darts above waist line may be drafted more slanting 
towards the back. Be careful in stiching darts to run them very 
tapering, a trifle higher than traced. The side-body next to back may 
be made more rounding, which some ladies prefer. 

CUTTING FOR THE DEFORMED. 

Very few forms are exactly alike on both sides. One shoulder may 
be shorter ; one hip higher ; one under-arm measure less ; one side of 
neck larger, and so on. The only way to make a perfect fit for such 
forms is to measure both sides, and to make a drafting for each side. 
But where the differences are slight, it is best to aim to hide the de- 
formity by drafting to the largest shoulder, shortest under-arm 
measure, and so on. In badly deformed cases take a piece of chalk 
and mark down the center of back, center of front, and also where 
you wish the different seams to come. Now measure each piece separ- 
ately around bust and around waist, and make a separate drafting for 
each piece, using actual measures as taken for that piece. The worst 
hunch-back may be perfectly fitted in this way. 



v 

115 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



RULES FOR BASTING. 

A basting thread must be run on the line of the waist. 

Baste carefully, so that lining and outside are perfectly smooth. 

In basting up the waist, commence at the waist line, and go up, 
then commence again at the waist line, and go down. The most 
troublesome seam in the whole waist, is the curved side body seam, 
which comes next to the back. In basting this seam, on one side of 
the back, commence at the waist line, and go up as in other seams, 
holding the outward curved seam toward you. The other side must 
be pinned at the waist line, and at intervals up the seam, then com- 
mence basting at the top, holding the outward curved seam toward 
you as in the other side. 

Never run several stitches at a time in basting, but take a single 
stitch, one by one, about one-fourth of an inch apart. Use cotton 
suitable to material. 

In sewing up seams, do not have the machine stitch too short, or it 
will draw. 

Nick the seams, so that the waist will spring nicely into the figure, 
and then press them all open. If you wish to finish with Tailor-like 
neatness, turn in the edges and slip stitch them together, instead of 
whipping the seams as is the general custom. 

No Hook and Eye pieces are required, but instead a Waist-band 
should be put inside the dress, to keep it in place. 

If Whalebones are used, casings must be cut on the bias and sewed 
on loosely by hand. Ribbon may be used if preferred, but must also 
be sewed on almost as if ruffled. This to keep the bones in place 
very tight. They must each be fastened in several places alo ig 
each seam. 

The Casings must, as a rule, be run about two inches below the 
waist line, and about an even heighth with the dart all round. Under 
the arms they may be a little higher. 

In our system whalebones are not necessary. 

The above way of turning the cloth in finishing seams is not suita- 
ble in heavy material as it would show on the outside of waist after 
it is pressed. Neat overhanding preferable and would recommend it 
in all cases, where goods will not fray. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DEESSMAKING. 116 



LININGS, PLAITINGS, RUFFLES, COLORS, Etc. 

If the silesia, drilling or other material used for lining the waist 
is cut crosswise it is less apt to stretch. It is economy to use a 
good quality of material for lining, as a poor lining will wear oui 
sooner than the outside goods, and the result will be that the 
seams will stretch, and the waist lose its shape. 

A dress should not .be made so tight as to draw. The corset 
should be pulled in as required, and the waist should be fitted 
over it easily and without wrinkles. The seams will stretch and 
fray out, if this rule is not followed. The same corset should be 
worn with the dress that it was measured and fitted over, as differ- 
ent corsets change the figure. A dressmaker should make it a rule 
never to measure a lady over old or ill-fitting corsets. 

Velvet, plush, hernani and other thin goods should be lined 
with silk. It should be used with the heavy goods because it 
makes a neater fit, and with the thin goods because they are 
transparent, and it will have a more pleasing effect. 

A good silk dress should also be lined with silk to match the 
dress in color. Surah or some inexpensive silk may be used. 
By following this rule, when the dress begins to wear out or the 
seams to draw, the lining is not visible, as it surely would be 
under other circumstances. 

In making a close kilt plaiting for trimming, allow two and 
one-half to three yards for eveiy yard required. A close box- 
plaiting requires the same quantity. Allowance should be made 
for a kilt skirt on the same principle. It is well to use a nicked 
card to measure each plait, and keep them uniform. 

For a gathered ruffle, allow one-fourth to one-half yard extra 
for every yard. • 




Diagram of (he Pattern in One or Ijjore Sizes and One or More Designs, 



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THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



Be Your Own Dress Maker 



■m • » .»£««— ^-♦~-»- 



PULL SIZIE3 




Paper rPa^ern 

C3-lT7-exi "^ritlx EJa,c!h. Book. 



Easy Practical Lessons in Cutting, Fitting and 
Making Dresses at Home 



INTRODUCTION. 

The cost of having dresses, of simple and inexpensive material, 
really well made frequently exceeds the price of the material itself, 
hence the desirability of a lady understanding how to make a dress for 
herself, supposing she has time at her disposal for work of the kind. 
Knowing how to cut and fit is not knowing how to make a dress. 
Our purpose is to go through all the details in as practical a manner 
as possible to help those of our readers who may be desirous of learn- 
ing, or whose position demands that they make a good appearance, yet 
whose means may be somewhat inadequate to pay what really clever 
dressmakers are obliged to charge for the amount of time which a 
well-made dress takes to complete. 

We desire particularly to indicate that dressmakers generally do not 
charge too highly for good cut and fit combined with the great amount 
of work which modern fashion decrees a dress requires ; and further, 
we may remark, that the large quantity of material which pleatings, 
kiltings, and draperies necessitate is calculated to astonish those who 
really do not understand how a dress is made. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 120 



Alany of our correspondents ask this question : — " How am I to 
make my allowance of so and so sufficient to supply me with tbe 
needful dresses for such and such occasions. 

Our reply to such a question is, make some of your dresses your- 
self. It is quite astonishing how some young ladies, who are possessed 
of good to taste and industry, can dress well upon a small allowance, 
while others spend much money with a very inadequate result in the 
way of an appearance. 

If a lady makes a dress for herself she will probably be enabled to 
purchase material of a better quality, which will wear longer, and 
keep in much better condition than commoner material. 

As we know not what the future has in store for us, it is well to 
prepare for emergencies, and one of the most useful is to know how 
to keep up a good appearance at a small cost. 

Ladies who know enough about dressmaking to be enabled to direct 
a maid, or other seamstress, to work for them or their families, will 
also find the practical knowledge useful. 

When a new dress is required, one of the first things to consider is 
the style in which it should be made ; this, in most instances, can be 
easily determined by referring to the numerous fashion illustrations in 
our Journal and Supplements. 

Next calculate the quantity of material it will take — this we shall 
endeavor to assist our readers in doing. 

Purchase all the materials you require before beginning your work • 
you will thus affect a great saving of time. 

If you are complete novice in dress making, we think if you will 
study the directions, in the order that we give them, you will succeed. 

If you desire to attempt a difficult dress, you will find a great help 
in purchasing a trimmed pattern of the dress to work from, or a pat- 
cern of any difficult part of the dress. 

In order to give ladies an opportunity of estimating for themsclve s 
what materials should be purchased for a dress, we will take as an ex- 
ample the illustration shown in this book, page , to fit a medium 
figure, which we take at, height 5 feet 4 inches; bust, 36 inches; 
waist, 23 inches. 

Materials required for dress shown in illustration : 

19 yards plain fabric 24 inches wide. If of striped or figured ma- 
terial, 20 yards. Omit tucks 2 yards less will make a dress with the 
same effect. 



121 THE AMEKICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



Half-yard sarsnet, for lining basque, sleeves, and collar. 

2 dozen buttons. 

2 yards lining for sleeves, bodice, 1 yard wide, and pocket; i he 
lining should be firm but soft. 

4 J yards alpaca for skirt foundation. Cambric muslin or silk may 
be used. 

2 yards Caledonian, for lining foot of skirt. 

3 yards braid, for binding bottom of skirt. 

Steels or whalebones for bodice ; one 6 inches in length, four 8 
inches, four 9 inches, one 11 inches. 

Steels for skirt ; one 22 inches, and one 27 inches. 

1 J yards crinoline. 

6 yards binding or galloon for bone casings. 

1 J oz. curled horsehair for small mattress, or dress improver. 

Three reels of cotton, color of dress. 

One J-oz. reel of silk or twist. 

If yards webbing for tight size and skirt band. 

One packet hooks and eyes, fives. 

Three-quarter yard cotton elastic, about J inch wide. 

One piece of tape 1 \ inch wide. 

4 yards ribbon velv et ji inch wide. 



TOOLS AND ARTICLES REQUIRED FOR DRESS-MAKING 

One paper short white pins. 
One packet needles, No. 7 Sharps. 
One packet straw needles. No. 6. 
An inch tape measure. 
One pair large sharp scissors. 
One pair ^buttonhole ditto. 
A lead cushion. 

A wooden roller, or cheap rolling pin covered with flannel, fas- 
tened on it with quite a flat herringbone seam. 
An ironing blanket. 
A tracing wheel and piercer. 

Tailor's square or yard stick with inches and parts of inch. 
Metal belt, 
Instruction book. 
One flat iron. 
Lap board. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 122 



DIRECTIONS FOR MEASUREMENT. 

It is quite unnecessary to give directions for taking a pattern, as it 
needs a great deal of experience to take one properly. Ladies who 
desire to make their own dresses, and who find the bodice pattern 
given with our book, so very different to their own size that 
they cannot conveniently alter it, can always have a bodice and sleeve 
pattern cut to their measure, either flat or made up, sent direct from 
our Office. When once you have a good fitting pattern, take care of 
it, as it will serve for years, with trifling alterations. 

Always measure with a marked inch tape. 

We note this, as some persons use cord for measuring — a great mis- 
take as cord is so very elastic. 

Take all measures over a dress. Measure around the waist tightly ; 
round the throat; round the bust loosely — just under the arms and 
over the fullest part of the bust. In front, from the hollow of the 
throat to the waist. From the prominent neck-bone at the back to 
the bend of the waist From under the arm to the waist. Across 
the back from point to point of join of side-piece next back. For the 
shoulders, from the side of throat to top of arm. 

For sleeve, round the top of the arms, putting the tape about an 
inch below arm-pit. Length of back of arm, bending the elbow 
measuring from the top of side-piece next back to the wrist-!x>ne 
Measure the front of arm, about 1 \ inch from front side-piece seam 
to the wrist. Another important measure, now the sleeves are so 
mnch arched at the top, is to put the tape from the bone of the elbow 
to the shoulder-bone, which gives the measure for the proper curve a 
the top of sleeve. Full directions in measuring according to rules of 
system for any garment. 

MEASURE OF THE BODICE PATTERN, 

Which we give in these the size. It is without turning. 
The waist measures 22 to 28 inches. 
Throat, 13J to 16 inches. 
Bust, 36, 38, 40. Extra Bust curve 44. 
From throat to waist-front, 14 to 16 inches. 
From neck-bone at back to waist, 15 to 16 inches. 
Across back, 13, 14, 15, inches. 
nder arm to waist, 7, 8, 9 inches. 



123 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

Shoulder, 4 J to 6 J inches. 

Around the arm over the shoulder, 14 to 16 inches, 

Sleeve measure: inside 19 to 16 inches. 

Size around top of arm, 14Jto 16 inches, 

Slope from shoulder to elbow, 14^ inches 
, To take a pattern easily from our diagram, put some tissue paper 
over the diagram and lightly run over each separate part with a trac- 
ing-wheel ; or, if you have not a tracing-wheel, mark the tissue with 
a soft lead pencil; a hard lead pencil must not be used, or you will 
cut through and destroy the Pattern. 



TO ALTEK A PATTERN. 
If on measuring you find the bodice pattern we have given too 
large for you, pin each part together, one edge just passing over the 
other flatly, measure round the decreased pattern according to the 
directions for measurement already given, and if you find it still too 
large continue to take it in a little more at every seam except those of 
the bust pleats. Cut off half the overlapping' portion of each edge. 
If the pattern is too full in the bust it will improve the figure to fill 
up with small pads of wadding made in a circular form about 4 inches 
across. 

If the pattern is too small piece it on a piece of paper and pin 
closely at the edges; cut it with a margin of the paper you pinned 
all around ; treat all four parts of the bodice pattern in the same 
manner, allowing equal additions to each ; do not add to the piece 
between the two bust pleats; if more fullness is required for the bust, 
cut a small piece away from each part of bodice that joins to the strip 
between the bust pleats. 

TO CUT BODICE LINING. 
Place the front of the pattern upon the lining (double, as pur- 
chased) about 2 inches from the selvage at the centre of the bodice, 
that is, half way between the neck and waist; pin closely all round' 
making quite sure that the lining is perfeclty smooth. Then pin on 
the side-piece next front, in the space left level with the front; the 
highest point this side-piece should lie straight with a weft thread of 
the lining. Next place the back pattern on the lining beneath the 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 124 



front, and pin first 1 \ inch from the selvage at the top of the neck , 
smooth it with your hand straight down from neck to waist, pin 
f rmly and closely all round. 

Now you come to an important part in cutting, that is, the side-piece 
next back. The point must be carefully placed quite straight with a 
weft thread of the lining ljinch from selvage. The part marked * 
must lie } inch from the selvage, straight with a weft thread. By 
observing this the side which joins the back will curve in the proper 
direction to fit with back, and will be nearly on the cross ; failing to ob- 
serve this, you will never make the back of a dress look well. 

The back of the sleeve, must be quite on the straight of the lining. 
Place your sleeve pattern in the space of lining left by the back. Now 
you have fixed all the patterns upon the lining, you proceed to cut, 
leaving f inch turning all parts but the front and bust pleats ; these 
remain uncut until the material is tacked to the lining. Now, with 
a small awl, or piercer, pierce all round the pattern at intervals of f 
inch; be sure to pierce carefully at every point of a pattern most 
particular at waist lines which is marked in our pattern with dots 
. . . . as the pieces go together. You will understand further 
on why this is an important rule to observe. 

Now take your pattern off the lining, being careful to put it all to- 
gether, and tie it up and mark it; you should never pin your pattern 
in putting it away, as it is apt to tear it, and a really good pattern 
once taken is valuable. 



TO CUT BODICE IN MATERIAL. 

For silk, woollen, or cotton, the material should always be double, 
so that you cut the corresponding parts together. The lining has now 
to be pinned closely upon the material in the same way as has been 
described for the pattern upon the lining, except that you do not leave 
any material beyond the edge of the lining If you are using a fig- 
ured material with an up-and-down pattern, take care that the pattern 
is right before cutting, or you may waste a good deal of it. If striped 
be most careful in cutting so the stripes meet where the seams join in 
the centre of the back, and at the side-piece next back. Now, when 
all the separate parts of the of the bodice and sleeves are pinned uporj 
the material cut; unpin the fronts and place the material upon the 



125 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

lining, back to back ; pin the material to the lining at the shoulder 
and neck, material towards you, and smooth with the hand from (he 
shoulder downwards, pinning as } r ou smooth, so as to slightly stretch 
the material upon the lining. After having thus stretched it down- 
wards, stretch and pin it across in the same manner, smoothing it with 
the hand, After having pinned each piece of the bodice in the manner 
described, commence the tacking, You must now have the lining 
towards you. Tack with white or any odd lengths of colored cotton 
that will show upon the material. In, tacking observe the piercing at 
the corners of the pattern (to which we have before called attention). 
Put the needle into the piercings of these corners ; be most careful to 
do this at every point. In tacking the material upon the lining tack 
with stitches about the same length as the piercings, but you ueed not 
be particular about working through the piercings, except at the 
points. The sleeves must be treated in the same way as described for 
the bodice. 



TO PUT THE BODICE TOGETHER. 

1st. — Begin by taking up the bust pleats ; start at front pleat at the 
top and pin so as to make the tacking threads exactly correspond ; the 
second pleat must be taken up in the same manner. When pinned, 
tack closely and firmly so that they cannot slip or move in the stitch- 
ing. Now lay the two fronts aside for the present. 

2nd. — Take up the two back-pieces, pin them together, observing to 
put the pin exactly through the two corresponding pierced holes by 
holding them up and passing the pin first through the pierced hole of 
one piece of the back and then the other, and then putting the pin 
through about half an inch lower down as usual. You will, of 
course, pin from the neck downwards, carefully matching the tacking, 
and after pinning tack closely. 

3rd. — Take up the side-pieces next the back, and this is one of the 
parts needing the utmost care and attention if you would have your 
dress look like the work of a practical dressmaker, Place the pin 
through the points of the side-piece and back (see the points marked 
* and * in diagram). Do not forget the need of observing the marked 
points. The rounded part of the side-piece must be slightly stretched 
in pinning it to back, holding the back just easily. Observe, the 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 126 



rounded part of the side-piece next back should be shorter than the 
corresponding part of the back ; the object of this is to make the baek 
set perfectly. Be very careful that the little fullness is equally di- 
vided, so that when tacked and stitched it is imperceptible. The cor- 
responding side-piece must now be treated in the same way. 

4th. — Next pin and tack the side-pieces next front, and if you have 
not previously used the pattern to make perfectly sure of its fitting, 
Jet the turnings of the two seams be outside instead of in their places, 
as this will materially assist you in enlarging or taking in, as the case 
may be. Our experience is that it is so much better in fitting to have 
your material on the right side, that is outside, as it will be worn, be- 
cause it allows for the size taken up by the seams when next you. 
After you have pinned closely these side-pieces to the fronts and to the 
side-pieces previously joined to the back, leave the pin in, and do not 
tack either of these four seams because the pins will be easier to re- 
move and to make any alteration required. 

5th. — The shoulders are the next parts requiring your attention; 
these are also pinned with the seams outside; stretch the front 
shoulder in pinning it to the back, not omitting to observe the pierced 
holes at the points ; slightly notch all. the seams at the waist to allow 
for the curve of the figure. Now your bodice is ready for fitting. 

6th. — Observe the same rule in pinning and tacking sleeves as have 
been given for the bodice, first pinning and tacking the front seam, 
beginning at the top of slaeve. Now begin the back seam at the top, 
pin straight till you reach the elbow, leave the fullness where it seems 
to fall naturally, and continue to pin below it to the waist. Now re- 
turn to the fullness at the elbow, which you must gather and pin flatly 
in its place, and tack the scam dowh ; notch the seam of the front of 
sleeve, turn the sleeve right side outwards, and it is ready for fitting. 



FITTING. 

It is quite possible that, however well your pattern may be cut, 
and however carefully you may have tacked it, the difference in the 
elasticity of the material may slightly effect the fit, and some altera- 
tion may be needed. Notch the turnings at the waist three times at 
intervals of about one inch, excepting those which arc outside ; cut 



127 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

open the bust-pleats to within an inch of the tops, and notch in the 
same manner. Put your bodice on gently, so that you remove no pins 
and break no tackings. Have a large supply of good pins at hand. 

Begin your fitting from the throat by pinning the front of the 
bocjice, observing to put the first pin through the pierced holes at 
points. Pin to the tacking threads down the front of bodice, making 
no alteration at present, unless the bodice is to tight, when of course 
you let it out so as to meet comfortably down the front. Pass the 
hand from the front towards the side-piece under the arm, and smooth 
the bodice so as to see if it fits sufficiently close to the figure ; do not 
make it extremely tight, as the stitched seams will not give out to the 
same extent as the tacked ones. Care should be taken to let out both 
the seams of the side you are fitting to the same extent. If the bod- 
ice appears to be very tight, let out a little from the front, as, if too 
:nuch increase is made at the side-piece seams, the arm-hole will be too 
large. Now pass the hand from the bust to the shoulder upwards and 
remove the pins if there is need of alteration. 

Look well to the bust-pleats, and alter, should they be too high or 
too low. Sometimes there is need to take in a little at the middle 
seam of the back. Place a pin exactly at the bend of the waist, back 
and front — that is, if the tacking-thread is not already at the right 
place. See that the tacking-thread at the throat is in the right place . 
if too high or to low, mark the line it should be with a few pins, and 
notch within a quarter-inch of the fitting line. 

Take the sleeve and slip it over the arm, put the elbow fullness to 
the elbow, and look to see if it is in the right position ; carry your 
eye along the back seam of sleeve to the shoulder, and see that it is 
long enough, if not, pull it up to the requisite height, so that you can 
pin it to the armhole; if the elbow fulling is too high bend the arm 
and put a pin to mark the point of the elbow. Now we come to the 
front seam of sleeve. Turn under to the tacking-thread, put a pin 
into the sleeve through the tacking-line, and then pass it through the 
tacking at the armhole of the bodice. The front seam of sleeve should 
be about one and a half inch to the front of front side-piece seam. Go 
on turning down to the tacking-thread, and pinning the sleeve to the 
bodice till within two inches from the shoulder seam. Now look to 
the back of the sleeve, and see that the under part from the front seam 
to the back fits properly. Pin it so that it fits. What little fullness 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 128 



remains must be equally distributed at the top of the shoulder. See 
to the length of sleeve, and turn up to that required, pinning it to the 
proper length. Now remove the bodice by taking out the pins from 
the shoulder and side-piece next front of the unfitted side of bodice. 
By this method the pins are left in down the front, and if any altera- 
tion has been made you can tack a line down to the pins before remov- 
ing them. 

TO CORRECT THE FIT. 

In some cases you may find that your bodice fits perfectly, when the 
following observations will not be needed ; but lest the condition has 
not arrived, we will give you directions to follow closely to correct 
any misfitting part. This is done by tacking to the line of pins before 
removing them. Be sure, before removing the pins from the sleeve 
and armhole, tack closely round both sleeve and armhole, and run a 
few stitches down to mark the exact position of the front seam of the 
sleeve to the "armhole. After having tacked exactly in accordance with 
these directions, remove all pins. You will have fitted one side only 
of the bodice, which should be the right-hand side. Now correct the 
left-hand side, pin all the original tackings of the two sides to corres- 
pond exactly with each other round the armhole, the neck, and at the 
under arm seams. If the bust -pleats have been altered, pin the seams 
very carefully together, and pin round the corrected tacking ; turn the 
left-hand front towards you and tack to the pins. 



TO MAKE BODICE. 

Pin the front side-piece in position to side-piece next back, ready for 
tacking first and stitching afterwards. 

Begin by stitching the front pleats, and be very careful to do this 
with precision, observing carefully the tackings. The fronts are for 
the present to remain detached from the side-pieces and shoulders until 
the back and side-piece seams are stitched, the buttonholes made, and 
the buttons sewn on. 

Next take the buttonhole front, that is the right-hand front ; take 
the bottom part of the bodice towards the right-hand. Turn the 
front down a quarter of an incn outside the original front tacking- 



129 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



thread, and with a needle and thread tack as you turn. Now, accord- 
ing to the material of the dress, take a piece of sarsnet ribbon, tape, or 
silk for facing; turn the inside of front of bodice towards you, and 
hem your facings just a shade nearer the edge of front than the tack- 
ing-thread ; be most careful not to take a stitch through the right side. 
When you come to a bend of the waist you must full the facing 
slightly to give the proper spring when this is hemmed down to the 
bottom of the bodice. If the material of the bodice is thick, you must 
turn up the facing and cut away tne material and lining to within an 
eighth of an inch of the facing hem. If a thin material, cut only the 
lining in the same way. Now cut the material so that when the fac- 
ing is hemmed down the second time it covers the edge, and makes 
the front neat inside. With the second hem of the facing, as with the 
first, be careful that your stitches are not taken through. 

Now turn the outside of bodice uppermost, throat towards the right 
hand. Take an inch tape, and according to the size of the buttons 
measure for the hole; the small fashionable button used at present 
will take a half-inch bottonhole. 

A button the size of a three-cent piece will take a five-eighths of 
an inch buttonhole, and one the size of a 10 ct. piece must have a three- 
quarter-inch buttonhole, and so on in proportion. To ensure the but- 
tonholes being correctly cut to one size you must place a pin in the 
inch tape to the required measure, lay a pin on to the front edge tack- 
ing-thread, and tack a line down to the end of the measure, putting 
in a stitch, each time you shift the measure, till you get to the 
bottom of bodice. 

It is always well to have proper tools for your work, therefore you 
will find that a pair of buttonhole scissors will cut much better button- 
holes than an ordinary pair of scissors. When you have cut a button- 
hole to the measure, turn the bodice round, with the front edge oppo- 
site you, and cut a tiny triangniar piece out of the top of the button- 
hole by making two slanting cuts of about an eighth of an inch, and 
then a straight cut crosswise. For small buttons the buttonholes 
should be about three-quarters of an inch apart. In this you must of 
course be ruled by the size of the button. 

Now, to work a buttonhole properly, take the front edge of bodice 
towards you, have a needleful of the twist with which you intend 
working the buttonholes. Begin at the left side close end of button- 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 130 



hole (not the end from which the triangle is cut), and sew over all 
round, taking care not to stretch the edge of the buttonhole ; now bar 
the buttonhole all round by taking a stitch from the narrow end to the 
broad end, put your needle back above the opening of the triangle, 
and work a bar above it just the width of the cut; work to the close 
end of the other side, and repeat, so that you have a double bar of 
twist to work over, which raises and strengthens the buttonhole. Be- 
gin to work the buttonhole from the same end as you began to over- 
sew it, let your left thumb-nail rest just below the bar of twist, and 
work closely and evenly all round. 

The buttonholes finished, take the button side of front, with the 
same kind of facing as was used for buttonhole side. Take the neck 
of front to the right hand, the outer side towards you, hemming the 
facing one and a half inch from the tacking line, hem to the waist, 
where full in the same way as you did the facing of the first side ; then 
continue plain to the bottom of the bodice. 

Now turn the inside of front to you, and cut off the surplus part of 
front to within a quarter of an inch of the stitches of facing ; turn the 
right side of bodice towards you and turn down the edge of front, so 
that the facing is just edge to edge with the material. Now tack the 
facing down through from the outside just at the tack of the button 
line ; when you have tacked to the button line, hem the facing from 
bottom to top of bodice; take care that no stitch appears through. 

To mark for buttons, take the two fronts, neck towards left hand, 
put a pin through the top stitch of buttonhole side of tacking thread ; 
where the tacking for throat begins put the pin through to the corres- 
ponding tacking of button side of front ; pin firmly together. Now 
get some one to hold the bodice just where you have pinned it, or pin 
it to a lead cushion ; put a pin into the centre of the *riangle at the 
top of buttonhole and through to the tacking line for the botton ex- 
actly opposite it. Continue to place the pins through all the button- 
holes for the entire length of the bodice, holding the buttonhole side 
rather tightly. 

Buttons without shanks must be sewn on loosely ; the cotton should 
be left about an eighth of an inch as a substitute for a shank, and 
after sewing the buttons strongly twist the cotton several times 
round* the threads that form the substitute for the shank; this done, 
pin the fronts to the side-pieces, stretching the fronts to the side-pieces. 



131 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



Next measure the waist from the inside of the bodice, holding the tape 
tightly immediately above the tacking line of the waist, with the end 
of the tape exactly to the edge of the waist buttonhole and to the cor- 
responding button, holding the bottom of the bodice towards you. If 
the size of the waist needs alteration, enlarge or decrease equally from 
side-piece and front; begin by pinning from the waist line upwards 
gradually and carefully, so that the line remains quite even ; after this, 
pin from the waist line to the bottom of the bodice, tack it carefully. 
Now pin the shoulders, beginning at the pierced points of the neck 
on each side stretching the fronts of the shoulders in putting in each 
pin, so that the pierced points at the armhole end of shoulder meet. 
When closely tacked stitch the seams ; remove all tacking-threads 
from the bodice except those round the throat and armhole. Now 
cut the edges of all the turnings or seams very narrow and even, say 
\ of an inch is sufficient, next cut them in notches, this is to make 
them look neat, and lie flat, and to prevent the bodice from 
creasing when put on ; over-sew all the turnings, material side towards 
you, this makes the work neater. If the material is of a very frail 
description you must bind with narrow sarsnet ribbon instead of over- 
sewing. It will now be needful to open the seams ; lay them quite 
flat, and press them on a board covered with an ironing-blanket. If 
the bodice is of silk or velvet a second person must assist in holding 
it while the other passes the iron over it ; the person holding the 
bodice should have the top of the seam in the hand. To press the 
bust pleats the person assisting should hold the seam under the arm 
and the front of bodice in a line with the top of the bust pleats. If 
you use whalebones you must next run on the casings, which should 
be of galloon or stay-binding. The casings should be under the but- 
tons to the same height as front bust pleat, on all the bust pleats, and 
all other seams except the curve seams of side-piece next back. The 
back casing should be about six inches long — five inches above the 
waist and one or two below it. 

Turn down a loop of the casing about three-quarters of an inch in 
length. Begin by sewing at the bottom of the loop so as to make it 
strong, run on the casing, easing it with the thumb so as to make it 
sufficiently loose for the bend of the bone. If you use the new bodice- 
steels you will not need casings as these steels are already covered ; 
they are sewn through the hole at the top and at distances of about 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 132 



two inches, stretching the seam after each sewing. Steels would not, 
however, need your attention until after you have turned up the bot- 
tom of bodice, but, unlike bones, they must be secured before sewing 
on the facing at bottom of the bodice. 

Turn up the bottom of the bodice, beginning at the button side, 
fixing it with pins. As you turn it, see that you have it turned to a 
nice shape ; when satisfactory, tack it up if you intend to have it sim- 
ply faced. If you desire to have it corded, run a tacking-line to where 
the edge turns, remove the pins. To make the second side exactly 
like the first put a pin through the point of the first pleat and through 
the top of corresponding pleat of the other front ; repeat this with 
the second pleats. Put a pin through the waist buttonhole to the waist 
button, then pin to the top of side-piece next front at the point, pass- 
ing through the corresponding point of the other side-piece ; you have 
your bodice right side out, pin closely the two tacking-lines round the 
under part of armhole from the point already indicated to the second 
seam of side-piece next back. This done, see that the two sides of 
bodice are quite flat at the seams, and along the line of the side turned 
up and tacked, put pins through to the second side, and before remov- 
ing the pins run a line of tacking on the second side in the same place 
as the pins, after which remove the pins on the first side and you will 
have the bottom of the bodice perfectly even, when turn and tack it 
up ; cut off all surplus material and face. 

Should you prefer a corded waist, after having made the cording, 
for which we will give directions further on, you must lay your cord- 
ing upon the tacking line and stitch as close to the cord as possible 
from the under side of it. When the cording is firmly stitched on, 
the bodice is made neat by hemming up the facing left on the cord, 
with great care that not a stitch goes through to the right side. Now, 
if you use bones you must cut them to the length of the casings, 
scrape them until they are quite thin at both ends ; if this is not done 
they will soon wear through the bodice. Now put the bones in their 
casings through the loops left at the top, then run the loop so as to se- 
cure the bones in their places at the top, push the bones close to the 
bottom of the bodice and sew through the bones to the casing and 
turning of the bodice about an inch from the bottom of the bodice. 
Now take the top of the turning and bone casing together and push 
the bone down as tightly as you can hold it in place and sew it 



133 THE AMEKICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



strongly at the top just below the loop. Sew a webbing band a 
quarter of an inch smaller than the size of waist of bodice to the bone 
casing and turning of the back seam immediately above the waist- 
line ; fasten at the ends with two small hooks and eyes. This is 
called the size ; it pulls and keeps the bodice in place at the back. 

For the collar, measure the neck of bodice, place the pattern on a 
double piece of stiff muslin on the cross, pierce round the pattern and 
cut the muslin, allow half inch turnings all round, cut the collar and 
facing also on the cross ; pin the four thicknesses together, the wrong 
side of the material next the muslin, then the facing upon the mater- 
ial; pin smoothly and tack altogether through the pierced holes along 
the sides and across the toy. Next take the muslin and material at 
the bottom of the collar and tack it together, leaving the sarsnet free. 
This tacking is to mark the depth of collar as to where it should be 
stitched to the bodice. Stitch the ends and top, remove the tacking 
except at the bottom, turn the collar right side out and tack round 
about a quarter of an inch from the edge to hold the facing in its 
place. Put the lower tacking line of collar to the tacking line of neck 
of bodice ; the collar is held towards you, and great care must be 
taken not to stretch the neck of the bodice ; stitch through the ma- 
terial, leaving the facing free to be hemmed down on the inside. Put 
two small hooks and two loops on the collar, the hooks on the button- 
hole side about the same distance in as the buttonholes. The loops are 
placed in a line with the buttons. Take a piece of ribbon or binding 
about half an inch wide, tack it round the armhole inside the bodice, 
beginning at the seam of side-piece next front ; tack it about an eighth 
of an inch from the lower edge, continue all round the armhole ; be 
sure not to stretch the armhole nor full it ; this must be tacked exactly 
to the armhole tacking, cut off, and turn down the end of the ribbon 
or binding. 



TO MAKE THE SLEEVE. 

Stitch exactly to your tacking, being quite sure that you have the 
fullness at the elbow in its right place ; stitch the seams, open them, 
and over-sew if the sleeve is of woollen material ; pass a roller covered 
with flannel down it, and press the seams flat ; of course the sleeve 
must be inside out. Now turn up the bottom of sleeve to the required 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 



134 



length and face with sarsnet or a piece of silk. Take care that not a 
stitch of the hem of facing goes through to the right side of sleeve. 
Turn the sleeve right side out and put on the trimming, supposing it 
is considered necessary. Next put in the sleeve; take the front seam 
of sleeve and put it exactly to the tacking which marks its position ; 
have the inside of sleeve and bodice towards you, pin the sleeve and 
bodice tacking lines exactly to each other until within two inches of 
the shoulder seam ; now go back to the under-seam from which you 
started and pin in the second side. When you come towards the top 
distribute the fullness equally along about three inches at the top. 
After pinning in tack closely ; stitch the sleeve in strongly, cut the 
turnings off within about half an inch of the stitching, and over-sew 
the edge of armhole, sleeve, and binding together neatly. 



SKIRT OF DRESS— LIKE ILLUSTRATION, No. 1. 

IN THIS BOOK. 

Foundations of skirts vary very little in shape. From the illus- 
tration we have given it will be quite easy to make the needful altera- 
tions for other styles ot dresses. 

Begin by cutting the foundation of skirt — for this alpaca is fre- 
quently used — it measures 26 inches in width. For a skirt propor- 
tionate with the the bodice pattern given : length of back, allowing 
for a medium -size crinolette, 43 inches ; cut foundation 45 J inches, 
to allow for 2 inch hem and half-inch turning at waist. Skirt 2 
to 2 J yards wider. Length of front 40 inches; cut 42J (for 
hem and turning); width of bottom of skirt 2 J yards. The 
breadth next the front is cut into two gores, the straight sides 
of thess gores join the front breadth ; the length for cutting this 
breadth is 43J inches. Fold this breadth straight down the mid- 
dle, and fold over at the double part of breadth, that is the 
middle of breadth, 5 inches at the top, smoothing it with your hand so 
that it graduates off and slopes to within a quarter of yard of bottom 
of skirt ; cut off the slope and cut down the remaining quarter of 
yard. 

Now take the slope that you have cut off the gored sides, cut it 
down the middle, and join the straight sides to the gores. 



135 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

r 



Next spread the front gores of the skirt on a table, wrong side np ; 
take the stiff lining that is to go round the foot, cut it about 12 inches 
in depth^ this must be taken across the lining, not selvage-wise ; cut 
enough to go along the joined breadths, edge to edge at the bottom, 
where tack it and fix it at the top, turning in about half an inch ; tack 
it again, shaping it to the gores by turning it in at the joins. Now 
take the back breadth and line it in the same way, and hem along the 
top and down the joins. Face the whole with about 5 inches of the 
material of the dress, turn down and hemmed on the right side of 
the foundation, leaving edge of material to edge of foundation at the 
bottom. Now join back breadths to sides • this done, turn up the hem 
at the bottom. 

First pin the breadths together at the seams at the top of the skirt 
(that is, the waist), folding the front breadths down the middle. 

Take an inch tape, and put the end of it half an inch below the 
top edge of skirt; pin it firmly through the inch tape and material to 
a lead cushion or let some one hold it for you. Take the foot of the 
skirt in your left hand, hold the inch tape in your right hand tightly, 
being quite sure that you have both sides of your skirt flat and even. 
Put the pin through at the exact length you require the front of your 
skirt to be when finished ; leave the pin through both breadths. Next 
measure the back breadth folded, as described for the front ; measure 
the back as you have done the front, leaving it the exact length re- 
quired for the dress when finished. Take the middle of backb readth 
of skirt and turn up from the pin at the back to the pin in front, 
graduating it to the front pin ; this makes the sides the proper length. 
Pin the bottom edge quite through the facing, foundation, and lining ; 
turn skirt inside out and hem up, taking care that the stitiches do not 
go through to the facing on the right side. Now put on the braid. 
Next, over-sew the seams, and press with a hot iron on the wrong side. 

Take a piece of webbing and cut it five inches longer than the waist 
is to be when finished. Take a strip of the material of the dress, the 
length of the webbing and half inch wider, run it closely along one 
edge of the webbing, material toAvards you, leaving a very narrow 
turning at the top, so as not to thicken the waist-band. Turn the ma- 
terial from you, tack along the top. Now you have the material 
towards you, take a narrow turning and tack along to the other side 
of the webbing, leaving the turned-down edge of the material quite 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 136 



level with the webbing ; this will be secured by sewing the skirt to it, 
Turn down one inch at each end, sew round and hem across. Now 
sew three hooks on the webbing side at the right hand end of the band, 
two quite at the end, and one in the centre of the band, three inches 
from the others. At the other end of the band, on the material side, 
sew one eye at the centre and two eves three inches from the end. 

Take the foundation skirt and fold in the middle of the front 
breadth. Three inches from the middle on each side take up a pleat 
4 inches in length, f inch wide at the top, and graduating to nothing 
at the bottom of the four inches. A similar pleat is required over each 
hip. 

Cut down the placket-hole in the centre of back width, 13 inches 
long, hem it round. Next take the band, hook it into all the eyes, 
double from the centre between the hooks and eyes at the middle of 
the back, so* that the ends of the band are exactly even ; this will 
give you the exact middle of the band in front. 

Take the foundation of skirt, turn down the \ inch allowed for, 
and place the material side of band towards right side of skirt, pin- 
ning through both together ; slightly full the skirt until you have 
passed over the hip pleats as far as the seam of back breadth. On 
the eye side of band fold what fullness you may have into a double or 
triple box pleat, leaving a piece at the back quite plain from inner to 
outer eye. 

Return 1o the other side of front, sewing to band in the same way 
as described for the first side, with this exception that the box pleats 
are at the end of band from hook to hook. 

Run the casings for steels on the inside of foundation ; the lower 
casing 15 inches from the bottom, the entire width of back breadth. 
(The casings must be wide enough to run the steels in easily). The 
upper casing should be 10 inches higher. The steels should be bound 
at the ends with a piece of wash-leather or an old kid glove, and 
should be put into the casings and secured at the ends just before 
putting on the drapery. 

The elastic and tapes for tying skirt back are best put on after the 
drapery. We will now state how ; 

At the ends of the casings five inches of elastic should be firmly 
sewn. To the loose ends of the elastic sew tape about fourteen inches 
long ; this must be very strongly sewn to the elastic. 



137 THE AMEEICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

We will now give directions for trimming the foundation to the 
illustration shown on the front of this Supplement. 

First, cut ten widths of the material, four and a half inches wide, 
join • if the material has not a self-colored selvage, the selvage must 
be cut off and the edges must be over-sewn when joined, turn up 
and hem one edge by hand or machine ; if by hand, the stitches must 
be almost invisible on the right side. Begin kilting from the hemmed 
edge, and pleat each width to a quarter of a yard. 

Have a needleful of tacking cotton, and tack each pleat as you make 
it, being sure that all are equal in size ; finish the bottom length. 
Next, tack a second line along the middle, arranging the plaats quite 
evenly, according to the grain of the material. Now take cotton the 
color of the material and tack the pleats along the top edge ; this 
done, press with a hot iron ; if the material is thick and stubborn, 
damp it previous to ironing it. Turn down the top edge about half 
an inch, and tack it along with cotton of its color. This done, press 
the turn-down quite flat with a hot iron. 

Your kilting is now ready for placing on the skirt ; the hemmed 
edge should be one-eighth of an inch above the bottom of skirt. Sew 
the kilting on by hand. 

For the box-pleated skirt, which has three tucks, cut five breadths 
forty-five inches long, and five breadths twenty-seven inches long ; 
join all the long lengths together, then all the short ones, and join the 
short to the long. Now turn up a hem all round three inches deep. 
If for machining, it must be be tacked ; if for hemming, pinning will 
be sufficient. 

Take a piece of card five inches in depth, and make a mark on it 
three and a quarter inches from the bottom, put the bottom of the card 
to the bottom of the hem, turn the material to the exact depth of the 
card. Now tack your tuck to the three and a quarter inch mark on 
the card. 

Now fix the second and third tucks by leaving one and a half inch, 
between each tuck, as only the stiches of the top tuck are shown in 
our illustration. You will easily keep your tucks even by cutting 
the card three inches deep, and marking it at one and a half inch. 
Place one edge of card at the tacking of the tuck below the one you 
are fixing, turn the tuck to the other edge of card. The tucks must 
now be stitched and pressed. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 138 



You must next double the five front breadths, putting in a pin to 
mark the middle of the front. The front middle pleat is twelve 
inches in width ; it takes rather more than one breadth for this pleat, 
as the folds must wrap over under the centre of pleat at back. Leave 
spaces of two inches each side of this pleat. The two side pleats 
measure ten inches each when finished ; they must be made in the same 
way as described for front pleats. The five back breadths must be 
pleated into three ten inch pleats, with spaces as before. 

Now tack all these pleats, beginning at the hem, and tack the front 
breadths six times at regular intervals ; for the back breadths four 
times will be sufficient. Press with a hot iron on the wrong side. 
After pressing keep the wrong side to you, and put two tapes across 
the pleats at the front breadths, sewing the tapes to the back of the 
pleats. You must not tighten the tapes, nor must you take the 
stitches through to the front of pleats. One tape is to go across the 
middle of the pleats, and one between this and the top of the breadths. 
The back pleating will not need tapes. 

Next take the middle of front breadth of foundation and the middle 
of the front centre box-pleat ; pin the pleating to the foundation centre 
to centre. The bottom of the hem must fall one inch over the kilting 
at the foot all round. Place the foundation and pleating on a table, 
and pin closely ; hold the skirt up, shake it, and see that it is even 
before stitching it to the foundation. When you are satisfied that it 
hangs evenly sew strongly. 

For the front drapery, cut one breadth of the material twenty-two 
inches long, and two breadths each sixteen inches long ; join these 
three breadths together straight at the top, the long breadth in the 
middle. Slope the middle breadth at the bottom so that it graduates 
to the side breadths. 

To put this drapery exactly in the proper curve run a tacking thread 
on the skirt, beginning at the side seam nine inches below the waist, 
and twenty inches below the waist in the centre of front. Look well 
at the illustration, and put the tacking line in the same slope as is 
shown in the illustration; both sides are alike at the bottom of front 
drapery. You will not find it necessary, for arranging the front and 
back drapery properly, to put the skirt either on a stand or on a 
person. 



139 THE AMEKICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

Fold the front drapery exactly in half, then pin it to the centre 
tacking-line and run it to the skirt, taking care not to tighten the dra- 
pery ; sew both sides on and begin the pleating at the waist, first put- 
ting a mark in the centre of drapery. Pleat the whole of the right 
side of drapery into a number of small deep pleats and pin it to the 
foundation from the front to the seam of the back breadth. 

Now arrange the left side of drapery, at about two inches from the 
front make five pleats close together about two inches deep. When 
this is pleated fasten it just below the waistband to the foundation, 
there will be a straight unpleated piece from these pleats to the seam 
of back breadth of foundation ; now take the end of the drapery and 
pleat it up towards the waist. The drapery must fall quite loosely 
over the line it was tacked on at the bottom ; sew the drapery strong- 
ly to the foundation just below the waistband, where it has been pin- 
ed, and make it neat by hemming a piece of ribbon or binding over 
it. The sides will be made neat when placing the back drapery over 
them. 

For the pocket, take a piece of the bodice-lining fifteen inches long 
and fourteen inches wide, double this lengthwise, turn over two cor- 
ners together to form a triangle of six inches, cut them off, face up the 
slanted top of the pocket with a piece of the dress material, turn the 
faced side out and stitch down the short side and along the bottom, 
turn the pocket and stitch again about a quarter of an inch from the 
last stitching. Unpick the side seam of skirt, commencing ten inches 
below the waist, and pick out seven and a half inches of the seam. 
Turn the skirt inside out, sew in the pocket so that the facing shows 
on the right side of skirt. At the top of the pocket a piece of tape 
ten inches long must be sewn to it, and afterwards fastened to the 
waistband. 

For the crinolette, divide the crinoline into three pieces, join them 
together, turn up a hem so that the crinolette will be fourteen inches 
deep, pleat in three double box-pleats, allowing the centre pleat a little 
larger than those at the sides, bind it along the top with a piece of 
tape, sew it to the inside of foundation- skirt just on the lowest steel 
casing, and sew it down the sides to the seam of skirt. JSTow sew on 
the tie-strings as before directed. 

Take the three yards of material left for back drapery, cut in two, 
join and press the seam, turn under at each side at least three inches. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 140 



Pleat the drapery into a large triple box pleat wide enough to cover 
the back as far as the joints of the side drapery The middle of this 
box pleat must go exactly to the middle of the back, pin it there firm- 
ly On the left side sew the turn-down piece over the ends of the 
front drapery. Carry the pleat down 17 inches, turn under 8 inches, 
so that it forms a deep puff; sew this pleat under the puff to the skirt 
and slip-stitch the outer pleat an inch from the edge down to the 
skirt. The remainder of thk> side of the drapery must be turned 
under to form a second deep puff, which should terminate nine inches 
above the foot of the skirt. Now go -to right side and loop it up in 
the same way, this will leave the centre hanging loose, which must be 
looped up and sewn to the skirt about 24 inches below the waist. 
waLt. Pleat the lower end of the drapery, turn it under, allowing it 
to fall three inches lower in the centre than at the sides; sew firmly 
to tlie skirt. This is dress complete. See cut next page. 



" '■' . -■ - • — 



141 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 







COMPLETE DEESS CUT. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 142 



CUTTING AND MAKING FULL EOUND BAND BODICE. 

Cut and piece the lining as directed for a pointed bodice, with 
the exception that you cut it only two inches below the waist all 
round. Tuck the bust-pleats, which have to be stitched in the lining 
only ; put the side-pieces on to the back. Next put the two under- 
side-pieces on to those next back, stitch all the seams, and press them. 
The seams of the lining for a full bodice, after being snipped, are 
turned towards the material ; this prevents the need of over-sewing. 

Put the lining upon the material, allowing fifteen inches from the 
edge of material to edge of the front lining ; this is for the fulness. If 
you wish more fulness you must allow it here. Cut the material 
away to the lining at the armholes, the shoulders, and side. Tack 
across the shoulder, round the armhole, and down the side-seam, being 
sure to attend to the pierce holes. Place a pin here and there between 
the under arm-seam and first bust-pleat. 

Now go to the throat. If you wish to have a pleated bodice com- 
mence about two inches from the shoulder, and pleat up all the mate- 
rial in small single or box pleats as preferred. When this is done, 
pleat at the waist, arranging the pleats to cover the two bust-pleat 
seams on each side. If you wish the fulness gathered, run a thread in 
a curved direction at the throat, commencing the same distance from 
the shoulder as you would for the pleats. Now draw up the gather- 
ing ; see that it fits round to the pierced throat of lining, and if it 
should be too high or too low place another gathering abovo or below, 
as the case may be. At the waist gather three or four times, com- 
mencing from the second bust-pleat. 

For the back, cut a piece of material twenty-four inches w T ide, and 
the length for the back ; fold it in half, and pin the lining of the back 
upon it, with the armhole side next selvage of material. Cut round 
as described for fronts, open out the lining and material, pleat or 
gather the material to the size of back of neck, and also at waist; 
when this is drawn up to the size, required, lay the lining on the 
material and tack down the shoulder, round the armhole, and down 
the side. Now pin and tack the shoulder and side-piece together as 
directed for pointed bodice, put it on to see that it fits properly, cor- 
rect the two sides as described for pointed bodice. When corrected 
stitch the backs to the front. When stitching do not join the side- 
seams next front below the waist. The fronts are turned down as described 
for pointed bodice, and the bottom is bound with ribbon or tape. The 
sleeves and collar are made and put on also as directed for pointed bodice. 



143 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 

TO MAKE THE MATTRESS OR IMPROVER. 

Take a piece of bodice lining, and make a bag measuring nine 
inches across the bottom and seven inches across the top, seven inches 
deep ; leave the top unsewn, put in the horsehair and turn in the top 
and sew closely. To keep the horsehair in its place take a needle and 
thread and knot it at intervals quite through as a mattress is knotted, 
This is sewn to the eye side of band, putting the centre to centre of 
band ; put a hook on the loose side of improver and an eye on the 
band of skirt to fasten it to. 



TO MAKE A DOUBLE CORDING FOR FACING 

A BASQUE. 

Cut a piece of material on the cross three inches wide, take a cord 
and place it on the wrong side of material a quarter of an inch from 
the edge, turn the material down over the cord and tack it with a needle 
and cotton quite close to the cord for the required length, put a second 
cord half an inch from the first, fold the material back with the cord 
in it so that this second lies immediately above the first cord, and run 
on the tacking-line with silk or cotton the color of the material, tack 
through the material under both the lines of cord, so that they are 
firmly held together; pull out the tacking, and stitch on the bottom 
of basque to directions already given. 

Our readers may think that telling them how to make one dress is 
not teaching them dressmaking ; but the illustration we have selected 
gives kilting, box -pleating, tucking, and a drapery, which, though it 
looks simple, needs a good deal of careful management to make it set 
properly ; as all these trimmings are employed in various ways in 
different dresses, showing how to do them properly in this shows how to 
do them in any other arrangements, as the same principle will apply, 
though the kilts be wide and box-pleating narrow. We have told 
them how to make a pointed bodice and a bodice with full back and 
front. If a basque-bodice is required, the plan of cutting, fitting, and 
putting it together must be the same as for a plain bodice, leaving the 
additional lining and material at the bottom of bodice to form the 
basque. 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 144 



MATERIALS. 

VELVET AND VELVETEEN. 

In cutting velvet great care must be taken so that it shades dark 
alike on looking from the top downwards ; this can easily be ascer- 
tained by holding the velvet in the hand and looking selvage-way 
down it j one way it will shade lighter than the other. The pile of 
the velvet or velveteen feels rougher towards the hand when it is 
rightly placed, and should be brushed in the contrary direction to 
other materials ; thus, you would brush a velvet bodice from the 
waist to the throat. 

Woollen Materials. 

If you cannot decide which is the right or wrong side of a twilled 
material, hold the selvage down, and see that the twill goes from right 
to left upwards. 

Cashmeres are twilled only on one side, French merinos on both ; 
they are each always folded right side out. 

Crape. 

It is not now usual to use crape double, it is lined with a soft black 
muslin ; it is difficult to tell which is the ] ight and wrong side of crape 
but if you observe closely, the small raised lumps are on the right 
side, but in holding the selvage to you when the crape is on the right, 
side the crimp slants from left to right. 



145 THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



ADVICE TO MARRIED LADIES. 

Ladies who are stout or corpulent should never wear a basque 

or polonaise fastened below the waist line. The princess' dress 

and tight-fitting wrapper in one piece, is particularly unsuitable. 

The skirt should be lengthened at the top only, and made by the 

diagram of skirt No. 2, in this book. A dressy half-fitting basque 

or sacque made of either a bright or delicate tinted basket cloth, 

according to fancy, and trimmed with full ruches and jabots of 

creamy Oriental lace, or some such fluffy trimming from the neck 

to the waist, and then carried around both sides of basque, will 

be becoming and stylish. White aprons and ribbon bows at the 

waist line in front should be avoided. As all drapery at the back 

is now worn extremely full; wide whalebones can be run in the 

back breadths of skirt, to increase the bouffant effect where it is 

most desired. 

The blending of colors requires good judgment and refinement, 
as well as knowledge. Custom and fashion govern many things, 
and colors are now put together which a few years ago would 
have been considered not only in very bad taste, but also exceed- 
ingly vulgar. For instance, pink and red, red and orange, green 
and blue, as well as purple and blue, although contrasting colors 
are frequently shaded one into the other, with great skill and 
charming effect. Rich warm colors blend well with those that 
are delicate and pale. As dark crimson or scarlet with pale blue 
or gray ; pink with gray, white or black, and green with violet. 

Those colors which form the greatest contrast to hair and com- 
plexion are considered the most becoming. Black and white are 
worn by all ladies, and considered in good taste for any one ; but 
the first is not favorable to a very dark complexion, or the last for 
a very pale one. The rosiest complexion loses much of its fresh- 
ness by coming in contact with the same color; light crimson 
and maroon are apt to cast a green shade over the face. A white 



FITTING SYSTEM OF DRESSMAKING. 146 



fichu or ruching should be worn to separate the bright face from 
the brighter dress, and the effect will be charming. White is par- 
ticularly becoming to a fresh complexion, as it relieves it of much 
color ; but, on the contrary, those ladies who have the whole face 
tinted a deep reddish hue, particularly the nasal organ, should 
avoid white, unless separated from the skin in some manner by 
edging the draperies with black. 

The material, color, make and fit of the dress may be as near 
perfection as possible, yet it is the trimming, lace around the 
neck, bosom and sleeves, the jewelry, ribbons and flowers, that 
gives the finishing touches that impart tone to a lady's costume. 
Sufficient attention is not paid to these details, or we would never 
see costly jewels worn with a common dress, and cheap lace on a 
royal velvet robe, either in the street, the market-places, or the 
fashionable reception room. 

Then, too, care should be taken to suit the style of costume to 
the figure, as some goods impart height and others have the oppo- 
site effect. Stripes should not be worn by tall, slender persons, 
unless made crosswise. Broad plaids and large figured goods 
make a short person look dumpy ; reverse these styles and you 
will do well. 

It is unnecessary to describe the infant's robe, lady's night 
dress and low-necked yoke, as they are all cut on the same princi- 
ple as the bathing robe. The yoke for a skirt may be cut any 
depth by laying the material on the diagram below waist line, as 
in skirt No. 2. 

This system can never become old fashioned, as the measures 
are taken direct from the body, any change of style, such as longer 
or shorter shoulder, higher or lower dart, or looser sleeve, can be 
made at will. The diagram of plain basque is the key-note to 
the American Lady Tailor System, and when once mastered, any 
lady will be enabled to cut, without a pattern, every article -f 



147 



THE AMERICAN LADY TAILOR GLOVE- 



clothing worn by each member of her family from the youngest to 
the oldest. The rules are so few and so simple that any one with 
ordinary intelligence can learn them in a few hours. We invite criti- 
cism, and ask the world at large to test its merits. 

Widths of Materials, 



Alpaca 

Beige 

Brocade 

Broche (Woolen) 

Cashmere 

Cloth 

Crape 

Crepe de Chine 

Flannel, White 

Flannel, Colored 

Foulard 

Grenadine 

Longcloth 

Linen 

Merino 

Nun's Yelling 

Paramaka 

Princess Dolman Cloth 

Silk, Black 

Silk, Trimming 

Satin 

Serge 

Surah 

Velvet 

Velveteen 

Washing Silk 

Zephyr 



Inches. 
26, 34, 36 

25, 28, — 
22,-— — 

24, 

46, 

38, 

23, 

24, 

24 

26, 

24, 

26, 

28 

28, 



54, 

42, 

to 
32. 



to 

32. 



45, 46, 

25, 46, 

42, - 

52, - 

22, 26, 

18, 20, 

18, 27, 

25, 32, 

22, — 



18, 
27, 
21, 
31, 



20, 
28, 



60 
60 

72 



54 
36 



1 



